Winnipeggers call for crackdown on scrap dealers buying stolen metals

Some Winnipeggers are calling on the authorities to do a better job at enforcing laws meant to make it hard for thieves to sell bike parts and other scrap metal for money.

The Scrap Metal Act requires buyers to keep records on transactions involving used items made out of copper, iron, steel and other metals. It came into effect in 2022 with a goal of cracking down on this type of theft, particularly when involving catalytic converters.

But some advocates said Friday the theft of copper and other materials as well as bikes is still rampant. They say police should be ramping up enforcement to prevent people's property from winding up in a junk yard.

"The theft of wire, theft of copper plumbing as well, from vacant houses is a serious, serious issue. It's a symbol of the deterioration of our city," said activist Sel Burrows. "We need to throw the book at that."

Burrows, co-ordinator of the Point Powerline community tip line in North Point Douglas, said some scrap yards are part of the problem.

"Everybody focuses on the front-line criminal, but we also need to look at who's buying stolen goods," he said. 

WATCH | Advocates call on police to crack down on metal, bike theft:

Winnipeg police urged to crack down on scrap-metal-related thefts

1 day ago

Duration 2:03

Bike and copper theft continues to be a problem throughout the city, despite provincial legislation that was designed to make it harder to sell the stolen goods, and there's a growing call for better enforcement.

"These are businesses quite often, and they need to be held accountable. If there's no market for things like burnt wire, they won't steal and burn the wire."

The Scrap Metal Act requires buyers to record every transaction involving scrap metal and keep the records for two years. They also must provide that information to police if asked.

Winnipeg police said in a statement there are ongoing efforts to clamp down on metal theft, including "the involvement of vendors in the conversion process for financial gain."

Metal theft 'a serious problem,' minister says

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said the province is working with law enforcement to tackle the issue.

"This is a serious problem," he said, adding that this type of theft puts peoples' lives at risk.

"If you're stealing copper wire, it's dangerous," Wiebe said. "We know it's resulted in serious injuries and obviously impacts the community."

Mark Cohoe, executive director of Bike Winnipeg, said better enforcing the laws would discourage thieves from stealing bikes for their parts.

"We know that that bikes are being stolen, sort of turned into scrap and sold for that," he said. "If that's your mode of transportation … having your bike stolen also really discourages people from riding."

Cohoe said people should remember to register their bikes, so they have a chance to get them back if they're stolen.