1 September 2011

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

THE Town Council has asked residents to consider signing an online petition asking the Home Office to introduce legislation which will make it illegal to offer cash for scrap metal.

Metal which is stolen from churches, homes and war memorials often causes thousands of pounds in damages, but thieves who receive cash for it usually remain untraceable.

So a new online petition is asking the public to back a move to make the Scrap Metal trade make its payments into bank accounts or by cheque.

“Thieves who damage public buildings cost everyone money. East Court mansion has already been targeted for the lead on its roof, so I would urge people to support this petition, which should reduce similar incidents of theft from public and private property,” said Town Clerk Julie Holden.

Cashless Scrap Metal Trade – Amendment to Scrap Metal Merchants Act 1964

Due to a significant rise in value, metal has become a much sought-after commodity. This increased demand has resulted in a sharp rise in metal theft nationally. Metal fencing, gates, manhole covers and other metallic items are stolen on a regular basis. Property is raided for lead, copper and cabling. War memorials and statues have been taken. Overhead power lines are stolen at serious risk to personal safety with huge costs for replacement and major inconvenience to the public. Historically the scrap metal trade has been a cash-in-hand industry. This creates difficulties as there is no audit trail, making identification of individuals who may be trading stolen metal or who may be committing tax or benefits fraud, a difficult proposition. An amendment to the Scrap Metal Merchants Act 1964 to prohibit cash transactions would make payment by cheque or directly into a bank account mandatory and would be a significant component in reducing metal theft.

To sign the petition go to: https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/406/signature/new