An Garda Síochána has today published a Garda Metal Theft Crime Prevention
and Reduction Plan, drawn up in conjunction with a range of stakeholders on
a Metal Theft Forum, and designed to provide for an effective and
multi-agency response to this type of crime.
The phenomenon of metal theft has become an international problem due to
the high prices paid for many types of metal. In Ireland, as in many
other countries, transport, power supply and other public utilities have
been targeted by criminals, as have agricultural and commercial premises.
In addition metal objects and material have been removed from many
properties, including historic buildings, causing enormous damage.
The Plan was praised by the Minister as "…giving a very positive example of
how business, community and public bodies can participate effectively with
the Gardaí to tackle crime and protect property and jobs." Minister
Shatter said that the plan was "…an important first step in providing a
strategic framework to tackle the rise of metal theft…".
The Minister noted that the new Garda strategy will enhance the
effectiveness of other measures to counteract metal theft, and he referred
to the draft regulations under the Waste Management Act which have been
published by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local
Government which aim to enhance the traceability of scrap metal purchases.
Minister Shatter noted that "…the Gardaí continue to display considerable
flexibility and adaptability in responding to emerging crime trends and in
the intelligent deployment of resources" and in conclusion he affirmed his
commitment to work with the Garda authorities and the Minister of the
Environment, Community and Local Government, together with the support of
stakeholders "….to counteract the activities of criminals who have caused
considerable destruction to property and threaten the viability of
businesses and jobs."