By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

AMID increased calls for the government to move speedily in regulating scrap metal yards, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave”’ Davis yesterday said a clamp down is in the works and forthcoming.

Speaking to The Tribune, Mr Davis said the Christie administration recognises that copper theft has escalated and remains a serious problem for both private businesses and government agencies.

They include Super Value, BEC and ZNS where thieves have caused thousands of dollars in losses by copper theft.

“We are pursuing,” Mr Davis said, “means to regulate scrap metal establishments and seeking ways of regulating the export of copper. Mainly, it is our aim to cut back on instances where persons are stealing copper.

“When it comes to export, they will have to prove ownership and the source of the metal. Officials are working arduously to have this implemented. “  

Copper theft remains a concern in the country with one business owner urging the government to close down all scrap metal yards until there is proper regulation.

Stanford Moss, owner of Regional Concrete Pumping Service, said thieves have caused him thousands of dollars in damage by having to reject a substantial contract after they stole around $60 worth of copper from a company truck. He said that by the time the truck would have been repaired and the wire replaced it would have cost him thousands.

“The whole value of the wire that they cut out, if they maybe get $60 for that, that’s a lot ” he said. “On the other hand, having to replace those wires and the labour and the cost of materials to replace that would be between $5,000 and $6,000.

“I met a gentleman who is an architect and contractor and he had offered me the possibility of taking the truck to the Berry Islands where he has a contract to do some condominiums and town houses.

“The whole issue of the damage is one thing, but the loss of revenue and everything else associated with not being able to work the vehicle – the cost is just unbelievable,” Mr Moss said.

He joins calls from Super Value owner Rupert Roberts who has warned that the high rate of copper theft “could bring the country to its knees.”

Mr Roberts wants the Royal Bahamas Police Force to do more in combating copper thefts.