The fight against the £1 billion black market in scrap metal was high on the agenda as St Austell and Newquay MP, Stephen Gilbert, met with a local scrap metal dealer.
Gilbert visited St Austell-based Henry Orchard and Sons, to learn more about the impact new legislation will have on businesses and consumers, as well as reduce crime.
During the meeting, MD Henry Orchard spoke about how more needs to be done to prevent a further rise in metal theft.
He said: “It was great that Stephen came out to find out more about our business and what we do.
“It was very productive and it was reassuring he took such an interest in what is a huge issue at the moment.
“Theft of metal is growing and the new legislation will help, but I think there is more that can be done.”
Gilbert added: “We’ve all heard the terrible stories about war memorials being stolen or lead from church roofs being taken.
“Henry even told me how vital operations had been postponed due to generators being stolen from hospital.
“It was refreshing to meet Henry and his brother, Jamie, and find out that there are responsible business leaders out there who are looking to combat these crimes that are impacting more and more people, as well as costing the economy.”
