A pioneering ‘loyalty card’ developed by a Preston recycling firm could be rolled out as part of the bid to beat metal thieves.
Recycling Lives is launching a membership card for people bringing scrap metal to its facilities across Preston which will mean members only have to show identification when they sign up.
It is also looking into creating a pre-paid card which can be loaded with cash for people without a bank account.
From December 3, all scrap metal dealers will be banned from paying traders in cash and must check identification on anyone they buy from.
Alasdair Jackson, operations director at the firm, said it was working with Lancashire Police to develop the scheme.
He said: “It will make it quicker and easier for our customers, meaning they only have to provide their name and address once and this is stored on our system for future visits.
“We have done a lot of work on this to make sure it is in line with the new legislation and, if it is successful, I would like to think it will be picked up in other parts of the country.”
He confirmed the membership service would be available at its facilities on the industrial estates at Red Scar and Rough Hey in Preston, its headquarters on Essex Street, Deepdale, and its facility in Leyland.
Last week, a new bill to tighten loopholes in the industry passed through Parliament after a deal was struck with rebel MPs.
It was passed witha ‘sunset clause’ on it to replace it after five years if it is ineffective.
Comments