Authorities say metal thieves are targeting auto batteries in Georgia.

Thieves might be taking advantage of a loophole in the state's current law that does not treat batteries as a regulated metal.

Albany police say they've seen a spike in car and truck battery thefts, and especially warn large fleet holders to safeguard their equipment.

Georgia's current law for regulated metals exempts auto batteries from the record keeping requirements at metal recyclers like copper, brass, or aluminum, to try to slow down metal thefts.

However, due to the increase of battery thefts across the state, the Georgia Recyclers Association has asked all of its members to voluntarily begin treating batteries as a regulated metal, and keep records of who sells them.

Tags: Albany, metal thieves, metal theft, metal recyclers, battery theft, car batteries, georgia recyclers association