Rise in UK Metal Roof Theft Prompts Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

Highlighting just how serious the problem of scrap metal theft has become - the steep rise in lead and copper roof theft throughout the UK and worldwide has prompted the government to introduce the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. This new legislation requires scrap metal dealers and merchants to be registered and licensed and, amongst other things, makes it illegal for dealers to offer cash in exchange for scrap metal. Despite this, theft of copper and lead roofs, piping and roofing materials continue, fuelling a rise in alternatives to copper roofing and lead free roofs