BIR survey to help tackle theft

Belgium – The secretariat of the BIR world recycling organisation – acting on behalf of its Non-Ferrous Metals Division – is asking member companies to complete a questionnaire in a bid to address the ‘sharp’ increase over recent months in material thefts from containers shipped overseas. The aim is to evaluate the extent of the problem and to collect detailed information regarding losses.

The requested information – including the nature of thefts experienced, a description of the goods involved and shipping details – will be held in strict confidence and will not be seen by anyone except BIR’s Brussels secretariat, it is emphasised. However, further actions will be taken at the level of the International Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Crime Services and International Maritime Bureau, and other official authorities, should the survey generate sufficient evidence from its member companies.

‘While not geographically unique, the situation appears to be particularly noteworthy in China and more specifically in the southern part of the country,’ adds BIR.