Scrap metal solutions - You read it here first.

In my earlier blog:
 http://thismakesmemadyoutoo.blogspot.com/2012/01/cash-for-scrap-act-now.html

I proposed that the way to address scrap metal theft and the threat it poses to both safety and memorials for our fallen soldiers was to require payment in methods other than cash and photo proof of identity.

Now the Transport Select Committee seems to agree with me.

Anyone trying to sell scrap metal should have to prove their identity, a group of MPs has said.

The Transport Select Committee also said the government should test a ban on cash payments for scrap to try to tackle the problem of metal theft.
Thefts from railways caused disruption to 3.8 million passengers last year and cost more than £16m.
Rail Minister Norman Baker said it was considering new legislation to regulate the scrap metal industry.
The metal recycling industry is worth about £5.6bn and employs almost 8,000 people in the UK.
But there are concerns about the number of illegal sites and about dealers prepared to accept metal in return for cash without any information about its origins.
Aggravated trespass The transport committee said the government must act with "more urgency" to tackle the problem and made a number of suggestions:

• create a new offence of aggravated trespass on the railway to help deter cable thieves
• give more powers to police to inspect both registered and unregistered scrap metal yards
• reform the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 to require anyone selling metal to provide proof of identity before a transaction can take place
• test the use of cashless trading in the scrap metal 

To members of any of the Houses of Parliament Committees, I will continue to post on this site and you can use my common sense approach to problem solving, free of charge!!

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.