Action on scrap metal good news for farming says NFU (From Smallholder)

Action on scrap metal good news for farming says NFU

8:00am Monday 30th January 2012 in Smallholder news

New legislation that will make it harder for people to sell stolen metal is good news for the farming industry, the NFU has said.

The plans, announced by the Home Secretary Teresa May, will make it a criminal offence to purchase scrap metal for cash, and increase penalties under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964.

NFU chief rural affairs adviser David Collier said: “We are very pleased to see this move from government, as metal theft has become a scourge for the farming industry.

“This will make it so much harder to sell stolen metal, and we hope it will deter criminals from engaging in this practice.

“We are keen to see the full details in due course, and welcome the Home Secretary’s intention to do more, as part of the government’s wider effort to get to grips with all stages in the heinous trade in stolen metal. The NFU has identified a number of steps that should be taken, including giving the police powers to close scrapyards that support criminal activity, and magistrates powers to restrict dealers’ freedom to operate.”