· 4 min read
Metal theft affects churches, farms, building sites, railways and ordinary households across Cheshire. The trade is regulated precisely because a dishonest buyer makes it possible, and a licensed yard is part of the defence rather than part of the problem.
What gets targeted
- Copper cable from sites, substations and rail infrastructure
- Lead flashing and roofing from churches and older buildings
- Catalytic converters cut from parked vehicles
- Farm machinery, gates, troughs and stored steel
- Site plant, tools and cable drums left overnight
The checks the law requires
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 every dealer and mobile collector must hold a licence from the local council, verify and record the identity of everyone they buy from, and keep those records available for inspection.
Cash payments for scrap are banned outright. Payment goes by bank transfer or cheque to the person named on the identification, so every transaction leaves a trail.
What a yard notices
Experienced staff know what ordinary scrap looks like. Freshly cut cable ends, lead in church-roof shapes, brand new fittings, cut catalytic converters and a seller who cannot say where any of it came from are all questions waiting to be asked.
Where something does not add up, we do not buy it, and the police are told.
If you have been hit
- Report it to the police and get a crime reference number
- Photograph what is left, including cut marks and tyre tracks
- Tell local yards what has gone and give them your crime reference
- Let your insurer know before you repair anything
- Mark replacement metal where you can, and note serial numbers on plant
Selling honestly is easy
Bring photo identification and proof of address, bring bank details, and sell only what is yours to sell. Tenants, contractors and house clearers should get permission in writing where ownership could be questioned.
If you are unsure whether we can take something, ring 01270 611447 before you load up.