Alloy ally to cut scrap metal theft

SCRAP metal theft continues to be a problem for local police - despite new measures and a dedicated police officer.

Between February 2014 and this February there were 98 scrap metal thefts across Oldham — just one fewer than in the same period the year before.

Inspector Jim Troisi, of Oldham police, said: “We have a dedicated officer who has knowledge of all the local dealers and offenders and actively targets this crime.”

Across the North-West incidents dropped from 8,231 in 2012/13 to 4,907 in 2013/14. Nationally there were 40,680 metal thefts between 2013 and 2014, down from 59,788 in the previous year.

Shadow Oldham Cabinet member for housing, planning and transport Councillor Dave Murphy, said: “The scourge of metal theft costs the country hundreds of millions of pounds a year. It sees trains disrupted, precious memorials desecrated, church and library roofs vandalised, children’s playground equipment targeted and road signs stolen.”

New measures mean every scrap metal dealer had to obtain a licence from the local council to trade and gave officers power of entry, the ability to refuse or revoke licences and the option to shut down rogue dealers.

The changes also made it illegal to trade in scrap metal for cash, and traders must keep full records of suppliers.