CLA scrap metal victory will frustrate thieves

Greater Manchester Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins - all scrap metal dealers must obtain a licence from each local authority where they operate

Licensing laws introduced this week – as a result of campaigning by the Association – will make it tougher for thieves to dispose of stolen scrap metal, says the CLA in the North.

The Association said metal theft has a huge impact on rural businesses in the region, and often vital pieces of equipment or building infrastructure are stolen and sold for a tiny fraction of their value.

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: “We are pleased to see the results of our lobbying victory put in place so metal theft can begin to be tackled.

“Farm machinery, lead stolen from roofs, and copper cable taken from phone lines all cause major problems to rural business and communities.

“These much-needed changes to the system will give local authorities real power to combat the rise of metal theft.”

The CLA's Scrap the Cash campaign won a major victory with the passing of the Legal Aid Act earlier this year after the CLA President met the former Home Office Minister Lord Henley to ensure cash payments by scrap metal dealers would be prohibited.

Miss Fairburn added: “We believe new regulation should only be put in place in certain circumstances. In this case, it is crucial to deal with the menace of scrap metal thieves.”