Traders join up to cut metal thefts

The price of scrap metal has led to the number of incidents rocketing across North Yorkshire and beyond, with thieves stripping everything from electricity cables to storm drains before selling them on.

To combat the rise in cases, the Harrogate District Community Safety Partnership has now joined forces with local businesses to help prevent stolen metal being sold.

These companies have agreed to display signs on their sites advising that they want to know where the metal has come from before they will accept it.

Chair of the partnership, Coun Nick Brown, said: “We want thieves not to be able to find a market for stolen metal. If they can’t sell it they won’t steal it.

“And we are also urging residents and businesses to be on their guard.

“We all have a part to play. It is also good advice to make sure that you only use reputable contractors to remove any waste, metal or otherwise, from your premises. You should also check that they have the appropriate licences to carry and dispose of waste.”