Cash for Scrap - Act Now

The recession in the UK coupled with high commodity prices has led to a significant rise in the thefts of metals and then onsale of these for scrap/re-cycling.

These has led to metal being stolen from war memorials (yes, shame doesn't affect such low-lifes) and from churches as well as increasingly, from railways.  This latter has the potential to endanger lives but again, these thieves don't care a fig!

The UK government is proposing to require the scrap industry to have people to produce identification when selling scrap and to not pay them in cash.

The scrap industry pays lip service to the proposals but is set against the banning of payment in cash?

Why?

Maybe because at the moment it can support this illicit activity by under-paying these black-market thieves and thus enhancing their own profits? 

An industry spokesman said:

Our members do not particularly relish the use of cash. But their customers do demand they are paid in cash and their customers range from plumbers [to] builders, roofing contractors, demolition contractors [and] the whole range of people who on a day-to-day to basis sell scrap and they sell scrap for cash

So, let me know if you think that these trades people are then declaring the cash they receive as income on their tax returns or handing over the cash to their employers.

Of course, these plumbers and builders etc., are not necessarily thieving but 're-cycling' but why should we have a system which is so open to abuse and is exactly what the criminals want?

The Association of Chief Police Officers estimates that metal theft costs the UK economy £770m every year

 Legislation needs to be put in place, now.  Consultation and so on, isn't required, we know what needs to be done and cannot allow for further desecration of memorials or churches. 

What is required before action is taken?  A train crash because someone has stolen copper from a signalling system?


If you agree, let your MP know.