NEW Government proposals to stop cash payments of scrap metal is not good enough claims Vale of Clwyd’s MP.
Under new proposals the government is moving to stop cash payments to purchase scrap metal and increase fines for those that are found guilty.
But MP Chris Ruane is urging the government to do more to tackle the growing danger of metal thefts in Vale of Clwyd, as he believes that without giving the police the power of entry and the ability to shut down rogue scrap metal yards, the government runs the risk of making the situation worse and not better.
“Metal theft is becoming an epidemic and urgent action is needed from the Home Office to stop this getting out of control,” said Mr Ruane.
“The government should change the law to make it easier stop this organised crime and dangerous trade.
“The Labour Party has published a four point plan to tackle metal theft – which is also supported by British Transport Police, Association of Chief Police Officers and by the Neighbourhood Watch,” he added.
The four point plan includes; licensing scrap metal dealers, rather than current registration with local authority; banning cash transactions especially for large scale/high value scrap metal transactions; tougher police powers to close rogue traders down and anyone selling scrap to provide proof of identity, recorded at point of sale.
“This Government needs to go further if it is to effectively tackle the growing crime of metal theft,” said Mr Ruane.
“Households face repeated power cuts, commuters face increasing delays, churches and public buildings are being damaged, all as a result of escalating metal theft. The theft of electric wires is even putting lives at risk,” he said.
St Asaph Cathedral had at least £10,000 worth of lead stolen from the historic roof in August 2011, and after a spate of metal thefts at the Denbigh former mental hospital in June 2011, the building become too dangerous to enter.
“Currently the police cannot enter a yard and close it down – so the Government’s plan won’t achieve what it is setting out to do,” added Mr Ruane.