ACPO response to the government's plans to target metal thieves

ACPO lead for metal theft Deputy Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: “This announcement will target the minority of scrap metal recyclers who have been content to fund criminal behaviour through cash transactions with ‘no questions asked’.

“Metal recyclers have a responsibility to ensure the metal they buy is from legitimate sources and that they keep appropriate records. It is not acceptable to turn a blind eye to stolen metal. By helping criminals to turn stolen metal into cash, often quickly and easily, some dealers have fuelled this crime which is blighting our infrastructure and disrupting the lives of ordinary people on a daily basis.

“We will continue to work with the Government to ensure police officers and other agencies have all the tools necessary to effectively tackle this problem.”

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk