Cash payments no longer viable for scrap metal
Wednesday, December 5, 2012 - 11:13:58
Various representatives of the police in England and Wales have spoken out in favour of a new rule, which prevents people receiving payments in cash for scrap metal which is taken to be recycled.
This new rule has come into place to tackle the illegal trade in stolen metal which was making it very profitable for criminal gangs to heist items and then sell them on to be recycled.
Because cash was used, it was very difficult for authorities to trace where scrap metal originated and so switching to a new scheme will apparently put a dent in the market for stolen metal, according to British Transport Police deputy chief constable, Paul Crowther.
By tying a paper trail to any scrap metal transaction, seeking out those looking to exploit the system should be simple. Ultimately, it should reduce the viability of metal theft as a means of generating a quick, unlawful cash injection.
The scrap metal market has been relatively simple to exploit for many years and there was resistance to the rule change amongst dealers, because they claimed it would complicate procedures.
No doubt businesses will be hit, but since it was illicit trade that supplied them with materials for recycling in the first place, it cannot be seen as a bad thing.
When it comes to mobile phones, there are a number of checks in place which should ensure that stolen devices cannot be sold on to recycling companies.
However, not every loophole has been closed and it is still possible for thieves to sell on handsets to be recycled, without encountering any repercussions.
If your phone is stolen, make sure you report the theft to the police and get in touch with your network, as this will help mobile recycling companies identify it.
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