Overview

The Metal Theft (Prevention) Bill aims to reduce metal theft in England and Wales by strengthening regulations on scrap metal dealers, increasing penalties for related offenses, and enhancing law enforcement powers.

Description

This bill significantly amends the Metal Dealers Act 1964. Key changes include:

• Licensing Scheme: Introduces a stricter licensing scheme for scrap metal dealers, requiring police involvement in applications and allowing magistrates' courts to impose conditions or refuse licenses.
• Cashless Payments: Mandates cashless transactions for scrap metal, aiming to curb anonymous cash payments often associated with stolen goods.
• Enhanced Record Keeping: Requires more detailed record-keeping of transactions, including verification of seller identity, origin of scrap metal, and method of payment.
• Increased Police Powers: Grants police greater powers to search scrap metal dealer premises and inspect records.
• Closure Orders: Empowers magistrates to issue closure orders on scrap metal stores suspected of handling stolen metal.
• Increased Penalties: Significantly increases penalties for various offenses related to scrap metal theft and handling, considering factors beyond the monetary value of the stolen metal.
• Criminal Liability of Directors: Extends criminal liability to directors and managers of companies involved in scrap metal offenses.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, there will be costs associated with implementing the new regulations, including increased enforcement and administration by local authorities and the police. There may also be costs related to additional court proceedings.

Groups Affected

• Scrap Metal Dealers: The bill will significantly increase their regulatory burden through stricter licensing, record-keeping requirements, and the risk of closure orders and heavier penalties.
• Police and Local Authorities: They will have increased responsibilities for enforcement and inspections.
• Individuals involved in metal theft: Face substantially increased penalties.
• Magistrates' Courts and Crown Courts: Increased workload due to additional hearings and appeals.
• Businesses and individuals who are victims of metal theft: Potentially benefit from reduced theft and increased chances of recovering stolen metal.

Powered by nyModel