Crackdown on scrap metal crooks dealing in cash, stolen cars

New scrap metal laws will come into effect tomorrow giving police new powers in a crackdown on illegal operators infiltrating the industry.

Cash payments for metal will also be banned in a move the government hopes will help tackle the state’s stolen car trade.

“This will mean any second hand dealers, scrap metal companies can’t buy or sell anything for cash,” Police Minister Lisa Neville said on 3AW Drive.

“Police will have powers to search and enter without a warrant.”

Scrap dealers will have to keep records of transactions.

The legislation is modelled off the NSW laws.

“It’s had a massive impact (on the stolen car trade) in NSW,” she said.

“Police and the Law Reform Commission went up (to NSW) to have a look at it, they made clera recommendations we needed to do this.

“This was absolutely creating criminal behaviour and facilitating it, particularly in terms of organised crime.”

Click PLAY to hear more on 3AW Drive