Railway lines are common hot spots for copper theft, causing disruption to West Coast Main Line services

A crackdown on rogue scrap metal dealers sees new licences coming into force.

As of Tuesday 1 October all dealers needed to register and buy a licence with Preston City Council.

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The council can now grant licences for anyone collecting or operating a scrap metal businesses.

An increase in scrap metal thefts in recent years has forced the government to take action, introducing the Scrap Metal Dealers Act.

Scrap metal theft is regularly causing issues on Britain’s rail network and increasing numbers of buildings such as churches, schools and libraries are being targeted for their metal.

The city council will now charge £500 for granting a scrap metal site licence, £125 for granting a licence.

Any renewal of a licence will cost £480 and £100 for a renewed collectors licence.

Operating without a scrap metal licence will be a criminal offence.

Licences last for three years.

The city council states the licensing will predict legitimate scrap metal businesses.

Businesses have until 1 December this year to register, before enforcement begins.

The city council expects a budgeted income of £220 per year from the licensing, but will revise this estimate once licences are issued.

Have you been affected by metal theft or rogue collectors? Let us know in the comments below