HOTLINE: Canadian cops seek copper-offering robbers

The recent passage of laws in the UK banning cash payments for scrap may discourage crime connected to the trade beyond simple metal theft, if reports from Canada are anything to go by.

The recent passage of laws in the UK banning cash payments for scrap may discourage crime connected to the trade beyond simple metal theft, if reports from Canada are anything to go by.

Police in Quinte West, Ontario, are seeking two individuals who entered metal recycler Karten Metals in Trenton on Thursday June 13, on the pretext of selling a quantity of scrap copper.

One suspect pulled a gun and demanded money and the individuals then escaped in a waiting vehicle containing additional people, after an unspecified quantity of cash was handed over. 

Police have named the suspects as Melanie Beaulieu, 34, and Taylor Brent Scheel, 27, both of no fixed abode. Police say the suspects are armed and dangerous and should not be approached. 

The lack of cash on UK scrap dealers’ premises will undoubtedly discourage such criminal behavior, as having a full paper trail connected to the payment will make the job of the police in any future similar cases in the UK considerably easier.

Nevertheless, it is not just the untraceability of the cash that will hinder investigations in this case, but the lack of addresses for the suspects.

Perhaps there is room for amendments to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act yet. 

editorial@metalbulletin.com

What to read next
The publication of Fastmarkets’ assessments for nickel 4x4 cathode, nickel briquette and nickel uncut cathode premiums in-whs Rotterdam was delayed on Tuesday July 16 because of a reporter error.
Fastmarkets has corrected its alumina index inferred prices, which were published incorrectly on Tuesday July 15.
The United States' copper recycling industry is ramping up pressure on policymakers to impose some form of export controls on high-purity copper scrap, arguing that current trade dynamics – particularly with China – are distorting prices, weakening domestic capacity and undermining national security goals.
Fastmarkets launched two new price assessments for Indonesia’s domestic trade in nickel ore on Tuesday July 15. The two price assessments are for domestic trades of Indonesian laterite ores with 1.6% and 1.2% nickel content. Indonesia now accounts for 60% of the global nickel supplies and while there is an official government reference price, known […]
US copper scrap market participants are shifting from COMEX to LME pricing in response to extreme price volatility and a new 50% copper import tariff. The change is influencing discount formulas, export strategies and long-term trading dynamics across the sector.
The proposal follows preliminary discussions with the market and internal analysis of price usage, which suggests low market liquidity and a lack of demand. Specifically, Fastmarkets is proposing to discontinue: MB-CU-0410 Copper rod premium, ddp Midwest US, US cents/lbQuality: Purity of 99.95-99.99%. Thicknesses of 8 millimeters or 0.3125 inchesQuantity: Min 25,000 poundsLocation: Delivered US MidwestUnit: US […]