Code targets scrap metal

The voluntary code – a first for Yorkshire – has not been finalised, but traders and merchants in Kirklees would be asked to sign up to a number of commitments in order to be able to trade.

The code could include a pledge to take all reasonable steps to ensure stolen metals are not bought, asking for ID and verifying it before metal is accepted and reporting all suspicious customers and goods to the police.

Other suggestions in the code are that metal won’t be accepted by customers arriving on foot or in taxis, installing CCTV cameras and displaying prominent signs about working with the police.

Kirklees Council is also asking that all scrap metal dealers work towards implementing a cashless payment system within 12 months.

The proposed code will be given to the council’s cabinet to approve next week, and will then be passed to dealers.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said the code, if approved, would help to build on the various successful initiatives already in place across Kirklees.

He said metal theft was always treated ‘extremely seriously’.