Councils help cut instances of metal theft

20 Feb 15
Additional powers granted to councils to allow them to crack down on metal thefts have helped cut instances of the crime by almost one-third, the Local Government Association has said.

By Richard Johnstone | 23 February 2015

Additional powers granted to councils to allow them to crack down on metal thefts have helped cut instances of the crime by almost one-third, the Local Government Association has said.

There were 40,680 metal thefts in 2013/14, which can include stealing electric cables and metal from railway lines as well as from churches and war memorials according to latest figures, down from 59,788 in 2012/13.

The decline follows changes in the law requiring scrap metal dealers to obtain a licence from their local council to trade, as part of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. Town halls have been able to refuse or revoke licences and have new powers of entry and inspection and the ability to shut down rogue dealers.

The law also made it illegal for anyone to buy or sell scrap metal with cash, while traders have to keep records of names and addresses of scrap metal suppliers.

Ann Lucas, chair of the LGA’s safer and stronger communities board, highlighted that metal thefts still cost the economy around £770m a year.
She urged the government to continue investing in council and police efforts to co-ordinate enforcement action and gather intelligence to target and disrupt criminal networks responsible.

‘The scourge of metal theft costs the country hundreds of millions of pounds a year and has a hugely negative impact on communities, businesses and councils,’ she added.

‘It sees trains disrupted, precious memorials desecrated, church and library roofs vandalised, children’s playground equipment targeted and road signs stolen.

‘Such a significant drop in metal thefts is excellent news for communities who have suffered from the chaos, disruption and heartache caused by unscrupulous metal thieves.’

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