08.11.12
Metal theft powers to be introduced
New powers against metal theft are to be announced this week, including larger fines for ‘rogue’ traders and stronger police rights of entry to scrapyards.
Metal theft occurs around 1,000 times each week and costs the UK an estimated £220m a year. Jeremy Browne, the crime prevention minister, will announce the new powers, which come into force on December 3.
He will speak of his determination to “stamp out this illegal trade, which in recent years has cast a shadow over... bereaved families”.
Browne will highlight the importance of “effective enforcement” and say: “That is why I welcome the success by the police in bringing thieves to justice. We are now seeing significant reductions in metal crime across the UK.”
The announcement comes ahead of the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill, introduced by Richard Ottaway MP, which is due to be debated in parliament this week.
Cllr Mehboob Khan, chairman of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “MPs owe it to their constituencies to do everything in their power to turn the tide on this mindless crime which is spiralling out of control.
“Scrap metal thefts have caused transport chaos, closed down churches and schools, and caused heartache for families who have seen memorials to loved ones plundered for scrap.
“The legislation for regulating the scrap metal industry has long ceased to be fit for purpose and we can't afford for Parliament to stall any longer on bringing it up to date.”
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