A NEW council policy document setting out the rules on the sale of scrap metal is set to be introduced in a bid to stop lead thieves in Colchester.

Colchester Council’s licensing committee has approved plans to go out to consultation on a new draft scrap metal dealers policy.

The policy aims to protect buildings from thieves by making sure scrap metal dealers cannot pay cash for material.

Records must also be kept of what material dealers receive and they must also be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Dealers who break the rules could face fines of up to £5,000.

Rules against selling scrap metal for cash are already set out in The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, but the new policy provide extra guidance.

Chairman of the licensing committee Dave Harris said: “There are many good traders in Colchester but this sets out what the trader needs to do to stick by the rules.

“We are setting the agenda and we are one of the first few councils in the country to do this.

“This will help protect churches, railway lines and the like from thieves.

“People will no longer be able to steal metal and sell it for cash.

A 12-week consultation, involving organisations inlcuding Essex Police and Trading Standards, as well as licensees has now opened.

This will be available online at colchester.gov.uk.