In response to a significant surge in scrap metal thefts, Japanese police have proposed the introduction of mandatory identification checks for buyers and sellers in the industry. As thefts continue to rise, the cost of replacing stolen equipment has ballooned to an estimated 13.2 billion yen annually. The National Police Agency has issued a comprehensive report, recommending a nationwide registration scheme for scrap metal dealers to combat this growing issue.
The rise in thefts is alarming, with authorities documenting 5,478 incidents in 2020. This number nearly doubled to 10,368 cases in 2022 and further climbed to 16,276 incidents in 2023. Police anticipate that the total number of cases will exceed 20,000 by 2024. The surge can be largely attributed to trade restrictions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which disrupted imports and led to increased prices.
The escalating price of scrap iron has fueled these thefts. Before 2000, the price of scrap iron was approximately 10,000 yen per ton. However, by May 2023, the Japan Iron and Steel Recycling Institute reported that the price had spiked to 47,000 yen per ton. This dramatic increase has made scrap metal a lucrative target for thieves, who primarily target businesses and construction sites across the nation.
To address this issue, a bill is being finalized and will be presented to the Diet later this year. The proposed legislation aims to enforce stricter regulations on the trade of scrap metal, including mandatory ID checks and a registration scheme for dealers. The National Police Agency's report suggests that these measures could significantly reduce the number of thefts by deterring potential criminals and improving traceability within the industry.
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