Islwyn MP Chris Evans has backed a new scheme launched to tackle the problem of metal theft.
Last year metal theft cost Caerphilly County Borough Council £129,766 in paying out for stolen manhole covers, bins, rugby posts and even a playground slide.
In September, the No ID, No Cash scheme was launched where scrap yards will only accept scrap from registered collectors with photo-identification.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Licensing Section are producing photo ID cards free of charge for metal collectors.
Sergeant Simon Clark, of Gwent Police, said at the time: “We are determined to keep a tight reign on itinerant collectors and scrap yards whilst working with them – not to adversely affect their legitimate business, but to weed out unscrupulous sections of the community who cause untold damage to homes, businesses and services.
“What we are introducing in Caerphilly is unique in the UK. We have identified a method to deal with house to house collectors and will properly audit where metal is collected and where it ends up. We are hoping to extend the scheme across Gwent.”
Labour MP Evans, who recently met with Sgt Clark, said: “Metal theft always increases in times of recession and it is becoming prevalent in Islwyn and across the UK. Just recently we have seen the cruelty of someone stealing a war memorial plaque.
“It is clear that more has to be done to tackle this growing problem and schemes like this one are a fantastic way to combat this growing nuisance.
“I hope people in Islwyn will ask metal collectors whether they are registered with Caerphilly Council and help crack down on metal crime.”