A CRACKDOWN on metal thieves has been announced by prosecutors with criminal gangs warned they face having their assets stripped if linked to the thefts.
Solicitor general Lesley Thomson, QC, said the damage caused by a rise metal thefts, which is being driven by rising value of scrap, could have a "significant impact" on society given its harmful eco- nomic and emotional consequences.
Ms Thomson said: "It is not victimless. It can affect us all through the desecration of war memorials and buildings of faith or the disruption to travel and telecommunication services.
"Prosecutors will ensure the opportunity to disrupt criminals through the use of the proceeds of crime legislation is maximised."
The new guidance forms part of a new approach by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Chief Superintendent Ellie Bird, chair of the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland metal theft group, said: "I welcome the new measures which underline the joint commitment of the police service and prosecutors to continue the fight against metal theft and reinforce our clear message to thieves and unscrupulous dealers this scourge is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by our society."
Metal theft is estimated to cost British businesses around £360 million a year and police fear legislation governing scrapyard licensing needs tightening up.
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