McMillan Welcomes Clamp Down on Metal Theft

An SNP MSP has welcomed news that laws for metal dealers will be tightened –in the wake of reports that thieves are targeting war memorial plaques.

Stuart McMillan SNP MSP for West Scotland wrote to Kenny MacAskill about the increasing number of thefts from railway lines in his constituency.

The Justice Secretary said the licensing regime would be toughened to bring more metal dealers into the scope of licensing rules.

Stuart McMillan, SNP MSP for West Scotland, said:

"This is very welcome action from the Scottish Government which I hope will curb the disgraceful increase in metal thefts which has become a growing problem.

"Tightening of these laws will properly bring more metal dealers into the scope of licensing rules.
"I am pleased at the way the SNP Government has committed to tackling this problem. I welcome the Justice Secretary’s determination to bring nearly all metal dealers into the scope of licensing by dramatically increasing the level of turnover required for exemptions.

"This commitment is particularly welcome at a time when the War Memorials Trust said monuments are increasingly being targeted for metal.

"This issue was originally brought to my attention by constituents who were concerned with delays in train travel – being caused by rail line thefts.

"The current legislation has clearly not deterred thefts and something must be done to get a solution that targets this crime, which is why I welcome the Scottish Government’s plans for secondary legislation in this area beginning with a consultation."