Scrap collector in UK arrested for lack of license

A 38-year-old man in South Derbyshire, United Kingdom, has reportedly been prosecuted and financially penalized for “collecting scrap metal without a license.”

According to a news report on BurtonMail.com, 38-year-old James Simpkin is believed to be the first person in that region of England to be charged with the crime since regulations requiring licensing were put in place in 2013.

Officers pulled over Simpkin’s truck in South Derbyshire “and he admitted to collecting scrap metal without the correct license,” according to the newspaper. Simpkin also was charged with a hauling permit-related violation and reportedly fined £600 ($936) by the judge, plus additional court costs.

A district attorney (councilor) quoted in the article by the Burton Mail says the regulation and prosecution of Simpkin are necessary steps to prevent metal theft and illegal dumping.

The attorney also says a registration process through the UK Environment Agency allows legal scrap collecting activities to be carried out.

However, the Scrap Metal Dealers Act of 2013, also gives local government agencies “the power to refuse to grant licenses and to revoke them if a dealer is considered unsuitable,” according to the Burton Mail.