6.39 The Government recognises that metal theft is a serious and growing national problem that causes significant damage to communities, businesses, and the UK's infrastructure networks. The Government is establishing a dedicated £5 million national taskforce, led by the British Transport Police. It will comprise officers across and England and Wales and target both metal thieves and scrap metal dealers who trade illegally in stolen metal.
6.40 This taskforce's first steps will include an immediate programme of action targeting scrap metal dealers that are suspected to be trading illegally in stolen metal. The Government will also consider longer term options to tackle the increasing problem of stolen metal being traded too easily within the scrap metal industry.