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New Bill will target blight of metal thefts in rural areas Rural businesses in the West Midlands have thrown their weight behind a parliamentary bid to thwart the sale of stolen metal. Soaring prices have seen the theft of metal from farms and rural firms in the region grow to epidemic proportions over recent months. Overhead cables, copper and even barbed wire and other fencing have been stripped from villages and rural areas for the value of the scrap.
In a bid to thwart the thieves, Lancashire MP Graham Jones brought his Metal Theft (Protection) Bill before the House of Commons last month. It is due to have its second reading on January 20.
The Private Member's Bill is being supported by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which says it offers a solution to the problem.
"Scrap metal is currently big business and it's no longer restricted to the theft of lead from the church roof," said CLA Midlands Director Caroline Bedell.
"Mr Jones's planned changes to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 and his other proposals are essential if this blight is to be ended quickly and effectively."
The Metal (Protection) Bill proposes six changes. It would replace the current registration scheme with a robust licensing regime, with scrap metal dealers paying a fee to fund regulation.
Secondly, it would allow property obtained through theft to be regarded as criminal assets – enabling prosecution under Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Thirdly, police authorities would be granted the power to search and investigate all premises owned and operated by a scrap metal dealer. They would also be able to close scrap metal dealers where criminally obtained materials had been discovered.
Fourthly, the trade in scrap metals would be restricted to cashless payments.
Fifthly, magistrates would be granted powers to add licence restrictions and prevent closed yards from reopening.
Finally, the Theft Act and related laws would be amended so sentencing would be proportionate to the consequences of the crime, not just the metal value. |
Contact Caroline Bedell MRICS FAAV
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Caroline leads the Midlands team and has overall responsibility for the management of the CLA’s regional business and membership.
A qualified Chartered Surveyor respected throughout the industry, she also represents the CLA on a wide range of regional committees and panels.
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