A Black Country metal recycling firm has been “overwhelmed” at the response to a voluntary ID scheme which it set up in response to growing concerns about metal thefts.

Mason Metals Ltd, in Two Woods Lane, Brierley Hill, launched the scheme in January and nearly 100 customers signed up in just over a month. Bosses said the response had been very positive with up to five customers now signing up to it every day.

A total of 95 have joined so far and the firm says it is now expecting to break the 100 mark later this week.

As part of the scheme, customers are asked to fill in a questionnaire and give proof of identity, such as a passport or other document.

The company then issues them a members’ card and number. All metal items can then be traced back to their source. Commercial manager for the firm Neil Woodall said the response had been extraordinary. “When we first launched the ID scheme we had no idea whether it would be a success. Because its voluntary customers may not have been interested in taking it up,” he said.

“However the reverse has proved to be true. There was a surge in interest when it was first launched and this has continued over the past month.

“If the take up continues at this rate we will be looking at something very significant. Customers are doing us a great service by backing this scheme as it is helping us to protect our business. They have really grasped it and what we are trying to do.”

Managing director of the firm Andrew Jones said metal theft was not just a concern for residents and police but in the industry as well.

“We want to ensure residents across the West Midlands can recycle metal properly while at the same time ensuring provenance and a clear trail for us for metal purchased from public trade.”