The provincial government introduced legislation last week aimed at helping police in cases of scrap metal theft and crimes associated with vehicle theft.  

The first set of changes are included in the Pawned Property (Recording) Amendment Act. It is intended to hamper the possible sale of stolen copper and other valuable metals by creating reporting requirements for scrap metal dealers.  

The requirements include obtaining and recording identification and transaction information from clients, which can then be sent to police services in a similar manner as to how pawnshop transactions are currently handled. As well, scrap metal transactions for those under the age of 18 would be prohibited, and cash transactions would be restricted. The intent is to remove the ability to quickly made money from anonymously selling scrap metal.  

In recent years, there has been an increase in the theft of items such as copper wire from industrial sites. As well, rural property owners have been targeted in this type of crime as the thieves target isolated properties to avoid detection. 

“Police Services, farmers, and businesses in Saskatchewan have told us about the dangerous growth of metal theft,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said in a written release. “This legislation will serve as a valuable tool for police when working to reduce this type of crime, which is often specifically targeted at rural property owners.” 

The change to the Traffic Safety Act will give police the ability to press charges for numerous actions commonly associated with auto theft, such as falsifying documents for the sale or registration of a vehicle or altering a VIN. Currently, police have to investigate and charge someone under the Criminal Code. The proposed changes will give police the ability to issue a summary offence ticket without requiring Criminal Code proceedings.