Petition set up to prompt Scrap Metal debate

BusinessWatch has been contacted by Neighbourhood Watch to enlist the support of our members in petitioning the government for a debate to address the staggering increase in the number of metal thefts over the past year.

The theft of metal from business premises has increased massively over the past 12 months and has caused many businesses to review their security arrangements, as thieves are constantly looking for new sources of metal.

One such example is the increasing number of thefts of air conditioning units, which are being not stolen for their resale value, but for the value of the metals inside.

BusinessWatch would like to encourage our members to sign an online e-petition, which would prompt a parliamentary debate on the subject of moving towards a cashless business model for scrap metal dealers.  You can sign the petition here:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/406

Around 90% of transactions in scrap metal yards are by cash and their is an increasing belief that a more "accountable" system of payments would dramatically reduce crime by limiting the ways in which thieves can liquidate their ill-gotten gains.

Whilst the Police have taken great steps towards increasing detection of stolen metals through initiatives like Project Calanthia, and are working with reputable Scrap Metal Dealers to irradicate the "No records kept and no questions asked" ethos, until legislation is changed to penalise less reputable reputable dealers, there will continue to be those who turn a blind eye to the origin of goods taken in. There is a growing belief that a cashless model would be another step on the route to combatting these less reputable dealers.

Legislation which gives robust powers to police and local authorities, accompanied by powers of temporary closure and confication of assets, will give legitimacy to genuine businesses and put the cowboys out of business.

BusinessWatch members have a very important role to play in tackling crime, by being alert to every suspicious incident in their locality and reporting these incidents eith to BusinessWatch or to the police.  Those members with premises in the vicinity of Scrap Metal Dealers' yards should be extra vigilant and report all suspicious movements.

Please sign the petition today at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/406 and pass to your friends and neighbours, and put a stop to this abhorrent crime once and for all.

 If you would like any further information on how to protect your premises from metal theft, please contact BusinessWatch on 01246 212909 or email info@businesswatch.org