News release

Province Introduces Law to Reduce Theft of Scrap Metal

Justice

Selling stolen scrap metal will be tougher under legislation the government introduced today, May 2.

As part of its commitment to make Nova Scotia communities safer, the provincial government could become one of the first in Canada to require scrap metal dealers to maintain transaction records.

"We want to send a strong message to thieves who are putting the public at risk by vandalizing industrial and residential properties. It will be harder to sell the metal under this new act," said Justice Minister Cecil Clarke.

"If we are serious about cracking down on crime, we must put measures in place to discourage this type of theft. It is plaguing industry and jeopardizing utility services in Nova Scotia."

The Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Act will require all scrap metal dealers to request and register a piece of picture identification from people selling metal such as copper, aluminum and stainless steel.

Some dealers are already asking for licence plate numbers and other information before accepting metal, but this law would level the field so consistent records are kept across the province.

Local law enforcement agencies could then review the records if they are tipped off to a theft in the area.

The changes aim to stem the increase in copper theft that costs business thousands of dollars to replace, and can put workers at risk.

"Copper theft has been, and continues to be, a threat to the safety of our employees and the general public," said Dan Muldoon, general manager, Customer Operations, Nova Scotia Power Inc. "We welcome the government putting forth this legislation, that helps deal with this important issue."