Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, today welcomed news that people who steal or sell metal will soon face tough new penalties.

Liberal Democrat Crime Prevention Minister Jeremy Browne MP has announced that next month, powers will take effect to stop cash being paid for metal, and the police will be given stronger powers to target rogue traders.

According to the Home Office, there are roughly 1,000 metal thefts a week. This includes many thefts from war memorials and churches.

Commenting, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“As we come up to Remembrance Sunday, we are reminded of all the selfless sacrifices made by members of our armed forces. We remember the fallen from both World Wars and more recent conflicts, right up to the present day.

“That’s why I am so angered every time I hear that another war memorial has been vandalised by metal thieves who want to make a quick buck out of the nation’s respect for the dead.

“Earlier this year, many of my constituents also contacted me about the theft of metal from churches – I was more than happy to represent their views to ministers.

“I am proud that the Coalition Government is doing the right thing in backing measures to crack down on this disgraceful crime by tackling scrap metal theft.”