AUDACIOUS thefts of metal items – such as that of a bronze Henry Moore sculpture from a park in Dumfries and Galloway three years ago – could become a thing of the past after authorities receive their most powerful weapon in the fight to combat them.
The Scottish Government has announced legislation that prohibits scrap metal dealers from accepting cash payments, forcing them to identify sellers and leaving a paper trail in a bid to tighten the rules governing trade in scrap metal.
It comes ahead of a summit next week at which industry experts and enforcement agencies will highlight the damaging impact that metal theft has across Scottish businesses and communities.
The gathering – the biggest of its type – has been organised by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC), whose lead on metal theft, Jim Scott, said: “The new legislation provides the authorities with their most powerful tool in the fight against metal theft.
“By ensuring scrap metal dealers no longer accept cash payments, along with measures to record and verify the identity of people selling metal, it will provide greater traceability and curb the potential for criminal behaviour.”
The 7ft tall Moore sculpture, called Standing Figure, was stolen from Glenkiln Sculpture Park in 2013 and, despite a Crimewatch appeal and the offer of a £50,000 reward, has not been recovered. The sculpture was said to be worth £3 million on the art market.
Everyday metal thefts are rarely so high-profile, but have advanced greatly since lead roofing was a favourite target. However, today’s thefts are frequently more dangerous, with Scotland’s rail network one of the biggest victims. Cable theft can have a significant impact on rail services and can cause widespread delays. Railway fencing is also a target for thieves, and there are fears this could lead to dangers for children who may be unaware of the risks of being in such close proximity to trains.
Metal theft also affects energy consumers as thieves target power lines and cables, and communications can be hit by the theft of data cabling.
Chief Superintendent John McBride, of British Transport Police, said: “We will continue to work closely with the industry and a wide range of partners to ensure the effect of the new legislation is communicated and understood.
“While we have seen a welcome decrease in the number of incidents from a high of several years ago, metal theft continues to disrupt and inconvenience industry and the public as well as being costly to rectify.”
The summit will highlight changes to the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015, which come into force in September, but will also provide a forum to discuss the issues involved in the lead-up to the introduction of the new laws.
Scott added: “This metal theft summit will bring together key voices and leaders on a crime which continues to severely harm businesses and wreak havoc in communities – whether that be through stolen lead in church roofs, catalytic converters stolen from vehicles or phone lines ripped from the ground.
“As part of our drive to tackle metal theft, we must look to improve reporting and vigilance, as well as raise awareness of the responsibilities faced by those who trade in scrap metal.”
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