Photo from the YourAlberta Facebook page.

By Curtis Galbraith

Alberta

New provincial legislation targets metal thieves

Jun 18, 2020 | 6:20 PM

The provincial government has introduced legislation that would bring in stiffer penalties for metal thieves.

Bill 25, the Protecting Alberta Industry from Theft Act 2020, would also require scrap metal dealers to report all transactions that involve things like catalytic converters and other items commonly stolen and sold for scrap metal.

A release from the province mentions copper wire and industrial batteries as other items thieves go after.

Bill 25 would also increase the penalties for a first offence committed by an individual to $10,000, a year in jail, or both. The current fine is $5000. A second conviction would result in a $25,000 fine, a year in jail, or both.

For corporations, a first conviction would net a $50,000 fine, with the penalty going to $200,000 for a second conviction.

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“Scrap metal theft is an ongoing challenge across rural Alberta with major impacts on many rural businesses and industries. Bill 25 is an important step toward protecting rural Albertans from the risks of scrap metal theft by developing a centralized database of scrap metal sales. Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) appreciates the Government of Alberta’s decisive action to address rural crime and support safe rural communities,” says RMA President Al Kemmere in that same release from the province.

The province says these new rules would be implemented in two phases.

As of September 1, sellers would have to provide a photo ID and buyers would be required to retain information from that ID plus details of the transaction.

As of November 1, all transactions must be reported to law enforcement and all transactions must use something traceable like cheques or e-transfers.