Alberta Introduces Stricter Measures to Rein In Scrap Metal Thefts

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Alberta has introduced a new bill that aims to curb scrap metal theft in the province. The Bill 25: Protecting Alberta Industry From Theft Act, 2020’ establishes new procedures that will make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen scrap metal.

The bill requires scrap metal dealers to report all transactions involving most commonly traded materials such as copper wire and catalytic convertors in a central database, within 24 hours of the transaction. Individuals and scrap metal businesses would face serious consequences, if found involved in dealing with stolen materials.

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The new regulation prohibits cash payments. Instead, scrap metal dealers and recyclers must use traceable currency in all transactions. Further, law enforcement authorities are given authority to request hold on materials, if found suspicious of being stolen.

In addition, the fines for individuals will be doubled from $5,000 to $10,000 or one year imprisonment or both. Also, subsequent offences will result in a fine of $25,000 or one year in jail or both. The bill proposes to increase the fines for corporations to $50,000 for first offence and $200,000 for subsequent offences.

If passed, Bill 25 will be implemented in two stages. The first phase of implementation will be with effect from Sep 1, 2020, followed by the next phase on November 1^st.

Bill 25 is considered as an important step towards protecting rural Albertans from the risks of scrap metal theft. The strong measures are likely to address the issue of scrap metal theft in the province.