Written question asked by Brian Iddon (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 January 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 January 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 January 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Theft: Metals

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to deal with people who steal expensive metal objects to sell to scrap yards.

Answer: We are aware that thefts of valuable metals have been increasing over recent months and we are working closely with the industries affected and the police to develop a response to tackle these crimes.The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has set up a working group, chaired by the British Transport police and with Home Office representation, to assess the scale of such incidents. The aim of the group will be to establish an action plan which will address all aspects of the problem from national co-ordination to local responses to tackle metal thieves, including an examination of the current effectiveness of legislation relating to scrap metal recycling.

Secondary information