Press Release, 21st November, 2013

Metal Thieves Clampdown

The First Minister Alex Salmond has agreed to push forward legislation to combat reckless metal thieves it can be revealed today.

He made the commitment after being quizzed by Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil on the issue.

Duncan McNeil said:

“I welcome the First Minister’s response to push forward a new law in Scotland which I hope will introduce a tougher licensing regime and prohibit cash payments for metal.”

“However, this legislation is long overdue and it’s frustrating that the government has dragged its heels on this issue. In parts of England similar measures have seen metal theft drop significantly.”

“As well as having this legislation fast-tracked, I am also interested to see what action the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill will take to ensure that people who commit this crime are brought before court so that tough action can be taken.”