The sheriff or a designee may by written notification require a precious metal dealer licensed in the sheriff's county not to sell or alter a secondhand item containing precious metal if the sheriff or designee has probable cause that the item is stolen. The item shall not be sold, altered, or removed from the licensed premises until authorized to be released in writing by the sheriff or a designee.
The chief of police or a designee may also exercise this same authority for licensed businesses, within the chief's jurisdiction.