Legal action totackle metaltheft next week

Environment Minister Alex Attwood stated: “I am keen to assist in combating the problem of metal theft. However, environmental legislation will not address fully metal theft as it can only deal with waste management activities but it can be helpful to wider efforts by other agencies.

“Therefore, with effect from March 4, 2013, the Department is commencing the powers contained in Articles 5, 9, 14, 15 and 16 of the Waste (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 and Sections 1 and 2 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (Amendment) Act (NI) 2011.”

This will allow the DoE to issue penalty notices for certain offences; authorised officers (and in some cases constables) to stop, search and seize vehicles and to detain seized property; and provide the Department with powers to make subordinate legislation in relation to waste carriers, including the power to impose certain conditions on waste carriers and to inspect vehicles to ensure compliance with such conditions.

Mr Attwood continued: “Other proposals being looked at by the Department include amending the Duty of Care Regulations to remove the 7-days’ grace for waste carriers or holders to produce documentation to the Department upon request.”