A new Scrap Metal Dealers Bill has been introduced in the Assembly designed to increase the traceability of metal received by scrap metal dealers.

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs, who introduced the bill, said metal theft has resulted in huge costs for local businesses in Northern Ireland.

The East Antrim MLA said: "The theft of lead flashing and copper piping in particular costs significant sums of money to replace. Often the damage caused is far more expensive than the value of the metal itself.

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"In addition, the public have been put at risk by metal thefts. NIE cable has been stolen, disrupting electricity and affecting street lighting. A major electricity sub-station at Ballyvallagh has been targeted twice which could have resulted in wide spread blackouts in the Larne area. The theft of telecoms cable has prevented communication with emergency services and disruption to businesses. The theft of manhole covers has endangered drivers, pedestrians and children.

"My Scrap Metal Dealers Bill is designed to increase the traceability of those selling scrap metal to dealers. The Private Members Bill has followed the 2013 amendment to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act that was introduced in 1964 in England and Wales. Following this amendment, metal theft has declined by almost one third in England and Wales. At the same time metal theft had continued to rise in Scotland and in 2015 the Scottish Parliament introduced similar amendments."

(CD/MH)