Scrap metal dealers bid to tackle theft

Scrap metal dealers across the borough have signed up to a new code of conduct in a bid to tackle the scourge of scrap metal theft.

The dealers signed up the scheme, dubbed Operation Alloy, after police figures revealed that scrap metal theft in Rochdale has shot up by 140 per cent in the last year.

Scrap metal dealers who have signed up for the scheme have voluntarily agreed to take extra measures to reduce metal theft.

These include getting photo ID from anyone not already known to them who sells scrap metal. They will also look to install CCTV on their premises, as part of moves to make it easier for police and trading standards to track down sellers who they believe may have stolen the metal.

The new proposal comes ahead of proposed changes to legislation, which will have far-reaching implications for scrap metal dealers. As well as the new practices adopted by scheme members, cash transactions may be banned – requiring dealers to receive payment by card or cheque so that tracing sellers of metal will be made easier.

The scrap metal dealers will be offered one to one support by the police and trading standards officers to help them implement Operation Alloy and have a dedicated contact number should they need support.

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Internal and Environmental Services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We are delighted that scrap metal dealers have agreed to work with us. Metal theft has huge ramifications, both social and financial. In one incident in Middleton when cable was stolen from a pylon, United Utilities has estimated the cost of repair at £200,000.

“These kinds of sums are staggering and will only be passed onto already hard pressed consumers and tax payers in our borough if we don’t get a grip on this spiralling problem.”