Metal thefts crushed thanks to National Task Force

Metal theft has plummeted by 75 per cent in the West Midlands over the past 12 months following the introduction of new legislation and a dedicated national task force.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 was brought in last year making it illegal for anyone to pay cash for scrap metal. And since October 2013, the new law means that scrap metal collectors and dealers have to be licensed, they cannot operate without a licence and if caught face a fine of up to £5000.