SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has condemned those responsible for stealing lead from the roof of Long Tower Primary School in Derry this week, and is calling for changes in the law regarding scrap metal merchants in order to make it more difficult for thieves to profit from the crime.

Mr Durkan wants to see a change in legislation which would make it more difficult for thieves to exchange metal for cash and would force scrap merchants to pay for metal via a traceable method of payment such as cheque or electronic bank transfer.

-- Advertisement --

He said: "Metal thefts are becoming a major problem in Derry with incidences affecting not only our schools estate but also our telecommunications services, transport safety and our railway heritage.

"Sadly there seems to be a metal theft story in the news every week. We need to realise that the illegal trade of metal does not affect just one or two individuals but entire communities."

He continued: "The government needs to step in and change legislation to make it more difficult for thieves to make money from this trade. If scrap metal merchants were forced to pay via a traceable method of payment then it would make it far easier for police to track down thieves and result in an overall reduction in metal thefts.

“Similar legislation in the US state of Oregon has had a significant effect in reducing the levels of metal theft there by people out to make a quick return,” Mr. Durkin concluded.

(PM/GK)