Edgefield County, SC -- License plates, car parts, even a car door...just a few things that have been recovered in the past few days in Edgefield County. Investigators say thieves have one target...

Corporal Robbie Harter, Edgefield County Sheriff's Office: "Anything metal, anything metal..."

Scrap metal is quickly becoming the new, fast way to make money. Investigators say people will hunt for abandoned cars, or property...then take metal pieces to a recycling center. Police say 100 pounds will get you about $11.00.

Cpl. Harter: "It's easy access to the scrap metal. A lot of people just throw it out in the field and forget about it. To them, it may be junk, to other people, it means money."

And, they may not just be after your old property.

Investigators say, Wednesday, they arrested Shelly Griffin and John Eldridge on Bettis Academy Road, after they were caught trespassing on one homeowner's property. Inside their car, police say they found $3,800 worth of car parts, engines and rims.

Cpl. Harter: "Have your serial numbers written down. If it's small stuff, try to put in up in a shed. If you can't do that, try to put it behind a locked gate, and if you can't do that, try to keep an eye on it as best you can."

So, even if it's in your back yard...even if it's old and rusty...police say it still may be something someone else wants..and would be willing to take.

Investigators say the two people caught taking scrap metal from an Edgefield home have been charged with third degree burglary. They'll go to court sometime this summer.