Parliament hears of Sandwell anti-theft scrap metal scheme

Date added: 10 February 2012

Midlands pioneering metal recycling firm and finditinsandwell member, Mason Metals, were recently surprised to hear James Morris MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis informing the House of Parliament of their own efforts in tackling scrap metal crime.

During Tuesday evening's Parliamentary debate on the subject Mr Morris referred to two schemes that Mason Metals has set up in attempts to ensure that West Midlands’ residents can recycle properly. He also talked about the company membership scheme that the firm has been trialing since January this year, to ensure provenance and audit trail for metal purchased from its public trade.

Both the schemes were set up via consultation with Dudley Police force and are in response to growing concerns from authorities and the general public – and also most encouragingly the company’s client base.

Mason’s MD, Andrew Jones, whose brainchild the scheme was, praised his company's customers.

"Many customers had begun to volunteer their ID as a result of the high profile surrounding metal thefts. We’re simply taking this gesture and formalising it. Becoming a member doesn’t require us taking any information that we don’t take already. And credit to them – we have to protect our business and they’re doing us a great service by backing the scheme and it’s intentions.”

Mr Morris acknowledged in his speech that many scrap metal businesses are actively working with the authorities.
 
"I toured the Mason Metals recycling centre in Halesowen, Mason Metals was working with Dudley Police on ‘Scrap Yard Watch’, an appointment-driven collection scheme to help householders to dispose of large white goods legally and responsibly," he said.

"It has now launched a new membership card programme for its customers. That scheme is in addition to the statutory waste transfer note records and is run alongside other measures.”

Those other measures include comprehensive CCTV monitoring and checks with ultra-violet torches.

Customers who wish to become a member of the scheme can collect a form from Mason’s, they are then issued with a membership card and number once their ID has been sourced.

The business backs reform in the industry but wants the government to consider the views of the British Metals Recycling Association and the need to stamp out unlicensed and rogue traders.

As a finditinsandwell member Mason’s have our full support - well done and keep up the good work for the region! If you’d like to support the scheme get in touch with Mason’s – you can make contact via the website www.masonmetals.co.uk.