News release

Scrap Metal Legislation Targets Thieves

Justice

The province is introducing legislation that helps protect the lives and livelihoods of homeowners, businesses and workers.

The Safe Collection of Scrap Metal Act introduced today, Nov. 10, is intended to deter criminals from selling stolen metals in Nova Scotia.

"We know that thieves put the health of workers at risk when copper wire is stolen from power stations," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "We know that businesses suffer financial loss when critical materials are taken from job sites. And we know that homeowners and individuals lose emotionally and financially when oil-tank lines are cut and fuel seeps into their yards.

"This legislation gives police another tool in their fight against scrap-metal theft."

Police agencies investigate more than 300 cases of copper and metal theft each year in Nova Scotia.

"Theft of this kind is about more than just a few dollars worth of copper, it can devastate families and communities," said Greg Fong of Dartmouth, who had the copper piping from his oil tank stolen earlier this year, causing an oil spill. "This legislation is a good start towards preventing this type of crime."

The legislation requires scrap metal dealers and recyclers to keep a record of all transactions, including the identity of the seller. The penalty for not complying with the legislation is a fine of up to $5,000 or one year in jail.

"From a policing perspective, thefts of copper have a far greater impact than the loss of copper itself. Thefts of copper involve thieves putting their lives and the lives of innocent people at risk, cause significant environmental damage and threaten the viability of our economy," said Supt. Don Spicer, public safety officer with Halifax Regional Police. "Halifax Regional Police welcomes any measure that curbs these thefts and their far-reching impact."

For a copy of the Safe Collection of Scrap Metal Act, go to http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/proceedings/status-of-bills/