CRIME-BUSTING teams have targeted parts of East Ayrshire that have been revealed as a hotspot for metal thieves.

Several agencies are joining forces to tackle the problem, following the introduction of new legislation aimed at tackling the blight of metal theft and its impact in the area.

Authorities including British Transport Police, the Scottish Business Resilience Centre, Police Scotland, Scottish Government, and Trading Standards are involved in implementing the tougher laws. Since September 1, it has been illegal to carry out cash transactions when buying or selling scrap metals, a move designed to raise the standard of the industry.

Although there has been a reduction in cases, 43 were dealt with between April and July this year by the Ayrshire police division.

Over the same period, a further 374 metal-related crimes were reported in Scotland, contributing to a total of £600,000 repair costs for the victims.

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said: “While most scrap dealers are law-abiding businesses, metal theft remains a severe problem in Scotland and so required us to put in place more effective regulation to make it harder for thieves to dispose of stolen metal.

“That is why we legislated through the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015, to tighten up controls on the metal dealer licensing regime.

“The changes now in force will raise standards within the industry – providing greater traceability and increasing penalties for offences, and representing a significant step up in the battle against metal theft.”

Prior to the change in law, the multi-agency backed Operation Scandium, was carried out to raise awareness of new legislation nationally.

As part of a continuation of the operation, As part of a continuing operation, billboard adverts will appear near to scrapyard dealers, together with targeted leaflets and hard-hitting social media messages.

Run by Crimestoppers, the Scrap the Cash campaign will work closely with the industry to ensure that any rogue dealers are identified and dealt with under the new legislation.

Superintendent Gregg Banks of Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division, said: “Metal theft has a negative impact on local communities. The introduction of new measures will help to tackle issues such as the use of cash to buy or sell scrap metal and the accuracy of sales records.

“These measures will go a long way to support our work with partners and communities to prevent such thefts; to disrupt the market in stolen metal, and reduce the harmful effects on communities and business as a result of metal theft.”