MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Dave Mitchell
Date of Issue: December 7th 2011
Contact numbers:
Councillor Dave Mitchell: 0151 327 2095
Liberal Democrat Office: 0151 691 8544
LIB DEMS WELCOME GOVERNMENT ACTION ON SCRAP METAL THEFT
Liberal Democrat Councillor Dave Mitchell has welcomed proposals to crack down on metal theft in a motion to Council.
"Metal theft has a serious and sometimes devastating effect on our communities. There have been examples of thefts of lead on church roofs, businesses and homes, electrical cables from train lines, copper pipes, manhole covers from utility providers and, sadly, war memorials. Merseyside Police statistics show that almost six crimes every day are related to theft of metal - this equates to more than 1 in 50 of all recorded crimes.
"Enough is enough. It's time to get tough on both those people who commit these crimes, as well as anyone who helps perpetuate it by buying stolen scrap metal for cash, 'no questions asked'.
"Lib Dems welcome the proposed introduction of measures aimed at robust licensing of scrap metal dealers, along with recognition from the Coalition Government that more needs to be done to target 'rogue' scrap metal dealers and strengthen police powers to deal with those who flout the law.
"No-one wants this vandalism of our communities to continue and I hope that this is something all Parties can get behind and support."
The Full text of the Liberal Democrats Notice of Motion for 12th December Council is as follows:
CASHLESS SCRAP METAL TRADE Proposed by Councillor Dave Mitchell Seconded by Councillor Ann Bridson
This Council notes with great concern the level of metal theft across our Borough, and the effect of this crime on our community, including on homeowners, businesses, places of worship, community buildings, heritage assets, war memorials and infrastructure providers. According to Merseyside Police, almost 6 crimes per day (5.8) are related to theft of metal. This equates to 2.1% (more than one in 50) of all recorded crimes.
Council welcomes the e-petition launched (by Walsall Council epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/406) on the official Government website calling for a change to the Scrap Metal Merchants Act 1964, to prohibit cash transactions, and make payment by cheque or bank transfer mandatory, providing an audit trail when thefts are detected or stolen or suspect materials are recovered.
Council welcomes the proposal of the Metal Theft (Prevention) Bill to Parliament by Hyndburn MP Graham Jones, aimed at establishing a robust licensing scheme for scrap metal dealers coupled with greater police and judicial powers to close scrap yards found flouting the law.
Council also welcomes the Government review into what else needs to be done to tackle the issue of metal theft.
Therefore, Council calls on the Leader to request:
That the Chief Executive contact Wirral's four Members of Parliament, and the Home Secretary, to inform them of Wirral Council's support for this legal change, and to request their support;
That the e-petition be publicised on the Council's website, along with advice on preventing such thefts, or on measures which may help to identify thieves such as the use of smart water, in partnership with the local Police and other partners, as appropriate; and
Further, Council instructs the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to prepare a report for the next Sustainable Communities OSC on current levels of metal thefts, the steps that are being taken to prevent them and to bring those responsible to justice, with the opportunity for members to contribute suggestions and comments, to ensure that Wirral's response to metal theft is as robust as possible.
