The new Scrap Metal Dealers Act requires dealers and collectors to apply for criminal records checks, and for a site or collectors licence.
The Act was implemented on 1st October, and will be enforced from 1st December. Anyone found operating without a licence after that date may be issued with a closure order and flouting that could result in an unlimited fine.
The new act also extends an existing ban on cash payments for scrap metal, and requires anyone buying scrap metal to verify the identity of the seller.
Officers throughout the two forces will be distributing posters which have been produced by the BMRA (British Metals Recycling Association) to publicise the Act.
Scrap collectors will also be the focus of multi agency ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) operations on roads, with police and partner organisations checking to ensure vehicles are road-worthy and have adequate insurance.
Chief Inspector Sarah Chaloner said:
“Metal thefts are not a victimless crime. They are hitting all of us in the pocket, yet they are very difficult to prevent as they typically occur in sparsely populated rural areas overnight.
“We are appealing to residents to be vigilant, and to report any workmen who appear to be carrying out repairs at substations, climbing poles, or working on overhead cables during the hours of darkness. They may even wear fluorescent jackets and use liveried vehicles in an attempt to pass themselves off as power company employees.
“Our message to residents is to please ring in on the non-emergency number 101 to report anything suspicious, preferably with the registration numbers of any vehicles being used, so we can check it out.”
Western Power Distribution Security Manager Peter Lowe added: “Metal theft is a nationwide problem but it has escalated in the last few years and is currently costing Western Power Distribution around £1.5 million a year to put right.
“It affects our substations – but even overhead and underground lines have become targets, which is hard to believe when you consider the extremely high voltages involved.”
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