Scrap thefts raise concern

Archiv – At a recent meeting of the Brussels-based European Metal Trade and Recycling Federation (Eurometrec), members expressed great concern about the growing number of metals thefts currently afflicting the non-ferrous metals industry in general and the scrap sector in particular.t a recent meeting of the Brussels-based European Metal Trade and Recycling Federation (Eurometrec), members expressed great concern about the growing number of metals thefts currently afflicting the non-ferrous metals industry in general and the scrap sector in particular.
For some months now, rising scrap prices have prompted a sharp increase in the number of thefts. Regular targets for thieves have included road-side guard rails, metal from buildings, man-hole covers, copper and steel wire, and even trucks loaded with scrap.
Eurometrec has urged scrap companies to protect their inventories and also to ensure that they do not inadvertently buy stolen material from illegal operators. Since affiliates to Eurometrec member federations abide by a strict code of conduct, failure to respect the rules can lead to a company being expelled.
To help protect the sector, Eurometrec member associations have introduced e-mail alerts to all their member companies with descriptions of stolen material. Close co-operation with the police and other law enforcement officials has been established, while Eurometrec’s member associations have also agreed to exchange information about stolen material and scrap on a regular basis.