MSP CONDEMNS ‘SELFISH’ ACTION - METAL THIEVES PUT PEOPLE’S LIVES AT RISK
SNP MSP Stuart McMillan says metal thieves have little regard for people’s safety after new figures revealed vital equipment required for the safe and efficient running of Scotland’s railways was stolen in 100 different cases since 2008.
Mr McMillan expressed his disappointment at British Transport Police figures revealing over £1million of metal has been stolen from Scotland’s railways in the last three years.
The figures show there have been 300 incidents of metal thefts between April 2008 and October 2011.
Mr McMillan said:
“It is extremely worrying to hear thieves removed vital railway equipment in 100 different cases – where is the respect for people’s lives? It is completely selfish.
“This blatant disregard for the safety of others is frightening which is why the SNP Government is committed to tackling this serious issue head-on.
“Only last month a group of organisations met to discuss how to combat metal and cable theft, following a consultation from the Scottish Government on the issue.
“In light of these recent figures from the British Transport Police, I am pleased there are plans for secondary legislation to toughen the licensing regime for metal dealers.
“Tightening of these laws will bring nearly all metal dealers into the scope of licensing by dramatically increasing the level of turnover required for exemptions.
“It is clear the current legislation is not working which is why it is essential we send a clear message to metal thieves their actions are not acceptable.”
Mr McMillan expressed his disappointment at British Transport Police figures revealing over £1million of metal has been stolen from Scotland’s railways in the last three years.
The figures show there have been 300 incidents of metal thefts between April 2008 and October 2011.
Mr McMillan said:
“It is extremely worrying to hear thieves removed vital railway equipment in 100 different cases – where is the respect for people’s lives? It is completely selfish.
“This blatant disregard for the safety of others is frightening which is why the SNP Government is committed to tackling this serious issue head-on.
“Only last month a group of organisations met to discuss how to combat metal and cable theft, following a consultation from the Scottish Government on the issue.
“In light of these recent figures from the British Transport Police, I am pleased there are plans for secondary legislation to toughen the licensing regime for metal dealers.
“Tightening of these laws will bring nearly all metal dealers into the scope of licensing by dramatically increasing the level of turnover required for exemptions.
“It is clear the current legislation is not working which is why it is essential we send a clear message to metal thieves their actions are not acceptable.”
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