A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR INDUSTRY that now seems to be fuelled by thieves, has caused police to summon an urgent meeting with people at the centre of the trade.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Morgan Greaves has issued a caution to operators of the old metal business that they could be running afoul of the law if they are not certified by the Commissioner of Police.

In fact, the meeting, to be held tomorrow at the District "A" Police Band headquarters at 9 a.m., could be the last opportunity for those who have been operating illegally as old metal dealers, to avoid prosecution.

Greaves said investigations had shown there were several people across the island who had been illegally carrying on business as old metal dealers and receiving various stolen items, ranging from aluminium poles to electrical cables, worth thousands of dollars.

Complaints

"We have been having several complaints where a number of construction sites and business places have lost valuable items connected to their respective businesses," Greaves told the WEEKEND NATION yesterday.

He said one particular businessman who was conducting work on the ABC Highway expansion project recently reported losing over $100 000 worth of cable.

According to the Old Metal Dealers Act, any person wanting to be registered as a dealer in old metals should apply in writing to the commissioner of police stating his address and the address of the business desirous of conducting such trade.

Part of the stipulation also includes that such business should be conducted only between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and the names of those who offer metals for sale registered. (TS)