The government has objected to a bill which would have cracked down on scrap yards in an effort to increase traceability and deter metal theft. The Metal theft (Prevention) Bill was proposed by Graham Jones; the bill would have ended cash and cheque payments at scrap yards to increase traceability and prevent thieves making money on stolen metal.

The cost of metal theft to farmers and rural businesses is estimated in the millions of pounds each year; copper cable thefts can bring down the broadband and phone systems on which businesses are reliant and gate thefts have led to livestock wandering into roads, threatening drivers and creating the potential for losses of animals.  

Countryside groups have expressed their disappointment at the government’s decision. Country land and Business Association president Harry Cotterell said, “We are very disappointed this Bill has been stopped in its tracks, and look forward to the Government setting out its proposals to tackle the scourge of metal theft. We supported Mr Jones’ Bill because the dramatic increase in metal theft is impacting significantly on communities and businesses in the countryside.”

He said the CLA would continue to push for legislative changes that would tackle metal theft.

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