Scrap metal dealers' fears over new ruling

Scrap dealers today voiced fears that a new initiative to make customers prove their identity before they can sell metal goods could damage their businesses.

From next week, anyone offloading metal will also have to show a driving licence or passport, along with a utility bill no more than three months old, as part of a drive to clamp down on metal theft. Dealers say they are not against the scheme, but are concerned that customers who are unaware of it will end up taking their goods to be sold at less reputable yards.

Chris Smith, from J Smith Metals in Parkfield Road, Wolverhampton, said the new law could impact on his business.

"If people don't know about it, they're going to come in without the documentation they need and will have to be turned away.

"They're not going to then go back to collect what they need – they'll get rid of whatever it is somewhere else," he said.

Figures show that throughout the West Midlands, Staffordshire and West Mercia police force areas, metal worth more than £34 million has been stolen over the past four years, with more than 30,000 incidents recorded during that period.

Churches, schools, hospitals and even war memorials have been targeted by thieves.

Medical operations have been cancelled, church roofs ruined beyond repair, houses plunged into darkness and train services halted – all because of the thefts that have taken place.

Called Operation Tornado, the new scheme was trialled in the North East of England. During the trial, the theft of metal fell by around a half.

Detective Inspector Mark Cleland, of British Transport Police, said: "We will be working with scrap metal dealers to enforce this code of conduct until legislation kicks in later in the year.

We want to work with them to professionalise the industry and also target the people who are dealing in criminal acquisition of property."