SCRAP dealers in and around Chester could be facing tougher regulations as part of a Government crackdown on metal thefts.
People selling scrap metal could be required to register and face identity checks, and cash payments could be banned, according to the Home Office minister Lord Henley.
During a radio interview on Friday he said in light of a surge in metal thefts across the county over the past 12 months improvements would need to be made to the “outdated” 1964 Scrap Metal Dealers Act, .
In Chester alone, thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to Chester Cathedral, St Werburgh’s Catholic Church, Watergate Bridge and St Mary’s Centre when lead was stolen from the buildings.
Thieves even stole a bronze memorial plaque, from a church near Chester bearing the names of 43 soldiers who died in the First and Second World Wars.
Officers say the number of thefts has risen dramatically in the past year as prices for scrap metal has risen worldwide, with at least one scrap metal theft being reported every day in the Cheshire West and Chester area.
PC Adam Norton, who helped organise Operation Taupe in November, said scrap metal theft was a very big issue that was growing nationally and locally.
As part of the operation, police in the area have been prioritising patrols, working with partner agencies, sharing information with members of the public and promoting high-tech UV identification to help deter thefts of metal.
Those backing the private Member’s Bill currently before Parliament hope banning cash payments and stricter identity checks will also help in the fight against metal thefts.
However, speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Lord Henley said the Government would need to see the proposals in detail before deciding whether to back them.
He said: “The broad gist behind it is something that we could welcome. The idea that possibly you could go cashless is something we’re considering, as well as the idea that you should provide proper proof of identity when you get to a scrap metal yard.
“At the moment you can just go there and sign in as Mickey Mouse or whoever. We want proper ID so there’s greater transparency and a greater chain of who owns what.”