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Scrap metal trade is 'tarnished'

Jan 29 2012 by Katie Davies, Sunday Sun

HONEST scrap dealers have hit out, saying their good names are being tarnished by a rise in metal thefts across the North.

The region has become the metal theft capital of the country and police are clamping down on the crime that costs millions of pounds a year.

This month police targeted suspected rogue traders in a series of raids on the region’s scrap yards. Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland forces swooped on yards, targeting people they believed to be involved in buying and selling stolen metal.

At the same time, tough new laws to combat metal thieves are also expected to be announced by Government. Home Secretary Theresa May is thought to be set to announce a ban on scrap dealers accepting cash payments.

Unlimited fines for people caught trading stolen scrap could also be unveiled.

But last night, honest scrap dealers have hit back at claims they are all involved in illegal scrap dealing, with some saying they have lost valuable trade because of the allegations.