Scrap Metal Theft Increases Across the Metro Area
The theft of electrical cable and more recently aluminum window frames is on the rise and is of significant concern.
New builds and civil construction sites across the metro area, in particular Hilbert, Haynes, and Forrestdale are the hardest hit.
It's evident that stolen property often finds its way to scrap metal dealers.
To address this issue, it's essential to recognize that scrap metal dealers can be both part of the problem and part of the solution. Those who engage in ethical business practices, such as verifying the source of incoming metal and cooperating with WA Police, play a crucial role in combating theft.
On the other hand, dealers who turn a blind eye to the origins of the metal they receive contribute to the problem by providing an outlet for stolen goods. Whilst some dealers may unknowingly purchase stolen goods, others may actively engage in facilitating the sale of stolen metals.
The price of retail copper has increasing 17% so far in 2024 with Scrap Metal Dealer paying up to $12 a kilo, cash in hand, for clean stripped copper metal/wire, whereas aluminum frames will fetch $2-2.50 a kilo.
Stricter regulations were implemented back in 2020 when scrap dealers came under the Second Hand Dealers Act, which now required 100 points of identification from the seller and copper metals to be kept unchanged for 14 days before onselling.
Ultimately, addressing this issue comprehensively requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the supply chain of stolen scrap metals and holding those involved in the illicit trade.
Although the 2020 changes may have assisted the building and construction industry with the ongoing theft of copper in the short term, it does fall short in dealing with other scrap metals, specifically aluminum.
Back in 2003 residential builders, over a six month period, reported $180,000 of aluminum window frames stolen from construction sites. The theft was so widespread that bricklayers took window frames home with them so they could continue to work the following day! We are now seeing an increase in the theft of aluminum window frames, let hope it doesn’t get back to 2003 days!
While numerous scrap metal dealers will conduct their businesses lawfully, there will always exist a number who operate in an entirely non-compliant manner. We are hoping that WA Police can allocate sufficient resources to enforce the licensing and regulation regime. PACT investigators will continue to work closely with WA Police to identify those that choose not to comply.
From a building and construction industry perspective, we must ensure all builders, civil contractors and land developers report every incident of scrap metal theft as it will allow PACT Investigators and WA Police to identify trends and work toward reducing the impact of crime.