Metal theft: Bigger fines for rogue traders

by liamssoft | November 8, 2012 at 03:46 am

97 views | 1 Recommendation | 0 comments

Measures intended to "stamp out" metal theft with bigger fines for rogue traders and stronger police rights of entry to scrapyards are to be unveiled.

There are about 1,000 metal thefts a week, costing the UK some £220m a year.

Minister Jeremy Browne will unveil the powers at a war memorial in Erith, Kent, that was damaged by thieves.

There is already a national taskforce focused on the issue - it was set up a year ago by the Home Office with £5m in Treasury funding.

The new measures - which will include a halt to scrap being sold for cash - come ahead of a bill tabled by Richard Ottaway MP which is making its way through parliament.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Bill aims to reform the industry and tackle what Mr Ottaway calls "outdated legislation" from 1964......Read more

bbc.co.uk