Justice secretary launches new bid to end ‘plague’ of metal thefts
ByPress Association
Police checking vans during a crackdown on illegal scrap metal dealing last year.
A consultation on measures to tackle metal theft has been launched by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
The Scottish Government is seeking views on introducing a tougher licensing regime for dealers and banning cash payments for metal.
Mr MacAskill joined Police Scotland officers and the British Transport Police to launch the consultation at St Mary’s RC Cathedral in Edinburgh, where theft of lead has caused significant damage to the building.
A recent survey by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland has estimated the value of metal theft in Scotland at £7.5 million for 2011 and a further £2.8 million for the first half of 2012.
A previous consultation on the issue revealed support for regulation and licensing.
Mr MacAskill said: “This is plaguing communities across Scotland and it must be stopped.”
For an in-depth look at how metal theft has affected communities across Courier country, see Thursday’s paper or try our digital edition.
Justice secretary launches new bid to end ‘plague’ of metal thefts
