New laws giving councils more power to stamp down on scrap metal dealers have come into effect, with rogue traders facing cash fines of up to £5,000.
The new laws require all scrap metal dealers to obtain a licence from their local council to operate. Councils can refuse or revoke licences of those they deem ‘unsuitable’.
Crime prevention minister, Jeremy Browne, said: ‘Our changes, including increasing financial penalties and banning cash payments, have already helped slash metal theft across the UK.
‘This new legislation will help tighten the net around rogue dealers who flout the rules and wilfully purchase stolen metal, while reforming the system to support legitimate businesses.’
It is estimated that metal theft costs the UK economy £220m a year.