CLA backs MP’s Bill on metal theft

The CLA has backed MP Graham Jones's Metal Theft (Protection) Bill, which he is to bring before the House of Commons next week.

CLA Wales Director Ben Underwood said the Private Members Bill, which is being introduced as a Ten Minute Rule Motion next Tuesday, would clamp down on metal thefts.

He said: "Landowners are currently suffering an epidemic of metal theft. Mr Jones's proposed changes to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 and his other proposals are essential if this blight is to be ended quickly and effectively.

"We support his excellent work to bring about a change in the law."

Mr Jones's Metal (Protection) Bill proposes six changes:

1. Amend the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964. Instead of the current registration scheme, the UK needs a robust licensing regime, with scrap metal dealers paying a licence fee to fund the regulation of the licence.

2. Property obtained through theft should be regarded as criminal assets; that would allow the provisions in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to apply.

3. In line with alcohol licensing powers, police authorities should have the power to search and investigate all premises owned and operated by a scrap metal dealer, and to close scrap metal dealers where criminally obtained materials are discovered.

4. Trade in scrap metals should be restricted to cashless payments, and there should be a requirement that scrap metal must not be sold or processed until payments have been cleared. Photo identification and CCTV should be mandatory to identify sellers of scrap and their vehicles.

5. Magistrates should have powers to add licence restrictions and prevent closed yards from re-opening, and

6. The Theft Act and related Acts should be amended so that suspects caught should be charged and if found guilty, sentenced in such a way that is proportionate to the consequences of the crime, not the scrap metal value.

Contact

Ben Underwood
Regional Director - Wales

T: 01547 317085
F: 01544 260023
ben.underwood@cla.org.uk

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