Direct Line welcomes new legislation on scrap metal

• Research from Direct Line reveals* that 14 per cent know someone who has been a victim of metal theft
• One in ten have experienced rail travel disruption as a result of metal theft
• 43 per cent believe that legislation banning cash transactions for scrap metal will drive the issue ‘underground’

Direct Line welcomes the new legislation that has been introduced to deter scrap metal thieves. In recent years, many homes, schools, churches and railways have been affected by this crime due to the increase in value of metal. Research commissioned by Direct Line revealed that 14 per cent of respondents know someone who has been a victim and one in five people say that a church in their local area has been targeted by metal thieves. This rises to over a third in the North East of England.

Scrap metal yards in England and Wales can no longer give cash in exchange for metal, unless the person selling the scrap has no registered address. The public are concerned though as research shows that 43 per cent thought that legislation banning cash transactions for scrap metal will drive the issue ‘underground’, making it more of a problem than it is now.

Martin Egan, national property claims manager at Direct Line, comments: "Theft of lead flashing from flat roofs, wrought iron gates, railings, and even copper pipes are becoming common claims. The penalties for those falling foul of the law have been increased if they get caught selling stolen metal, however, one in ten of those surveyed have had scrap metal being removed from outside their home without their consent.

"Householders should check they are covered under their home insurance, not only for metal theft, but for any consequential damage to their home."

Direct Line’s metal research findings

• One in ten have experienced rail travel disruption as a result of metal theft.
• This is highest for those living in the South West region (82 per cent) 
• 13 per cent said that the road infrastructure in their local area has been targeted by metal thieves 
• One in five believes their local church has been stripped of metal at some point 
• North East is the most prolific area in the UK for metal theft 
• 22 per cent have been approached at their home asking for scrap metal
• This is higher among those living in the North East (30 per cent) compared to those living in London (14 per cent) 
• One in ten have had scrap metal removed from outside their home without their consent
• This is highest amongst those living in Yorkshire & Humberside (16 per cent) and West Midlands (16 per cent) compared to those living in East of England (4 per cent) 
• 26 per cent believe local public utility installations (i.e. railway lines) are left exposed/unsecure 
• 66 per cent of respondents agree that more regular Police patrols would help to discourage metal theft 
• 57 per cent of respondents believe organised crime groups are responsible for metal theft 

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Notes to editors
For further information please contact: 

Claire Foster
PR Manager 
Direct Line
claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk 
020 8285 8682
07900 217 264

Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,014 UK adults aged 18+ from 24 to 26 of January 2012. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria. www.opinium.co.uk

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line. 

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales no 1179980. U K Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. 

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc, which is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting