Scrap metal laws welcomed by hard hit county council

MOVES to make profiting from scrap metal theft more difficult has been welcomed by Worcestershire County Council.

The council has been hit hard by a spate of metal thefts over the last 12 months costing the taxpayer an estimated £100,000, but the Government has now announced plans to make buying scrap metal for cash illegal.

Fines for people breaking the law will also be increased.

Since the start of 2011 criminals have made off with about 650 council owned manhole and gully covers with council chiefs warning not only is it costing a lot of money but putting lives at risk with gaping holes left in roads.

But the tougher laws announced by Home Secretary Theresa May last Thursday (January 26) have been welcomed by the county's transport chief Coun John Smith.

"We all know the vast majority of people are law-abiding but, unfortunately, a small minority of law breakers have been putting public safety at risk and costing the taxpayer by stealing the manhole and gulley covers on Worcestershire's highways," he said.

"There have been many mindless and irresponsible thefts over the last few months, including some when covers have been taken off the road leaving gaping holes on the highways. It really isn't an exaggeration to say this could have resulted in innocent people being seriously injured or even losing their lives.

"Anything that may deter these criminals can only be a good thing. I welcome these measures and would also ask anyone who spots anything suspicious to get in touch with the police to report the incident."