The number of scrap metal thefts in Japan has seen a dramatic increase, prompting the National Police Agency to propose new measures to curb the trend. Since trade restrictions were imposed on Russia in February 2022, incidents of theft have surged, with authorities recording a steep rise in reported cases. In response, Japanese police have proposed a nationwide registration scheme and mandatory identification checks for anyone involved in scrap metal transactions. A bill to formalize these measures is being finalized and is expected to be submitted to the Diet later this year.
In 2020, Japanese authorities recorded 5,478 incidences of metal equipment theft. This number nearly doubled by 2022, reaching 10,368 reported cases. The trend continued sharply upward, with 16,276 incidents recorded in 2023. Police anticipate that the total will surpass 20,000 by 2024. These thefts have not only impacted businesses and construction sites but also disrupted imports and driven up prices.
The proposed registration scheme aims to halt the surge in thefts of valuable materials, particularly amidst rising prices for scrap metal. The Japan Iron and Steel Recycling Institute reported that the price of scrap iron spiked to 47,000 yen (approximately US$63) per ton in May 2023, compared to about 10,000 yen per ton before the year 2000. This significant increase in value has made scrap metal an attractive target for thieves.
The financial impact of these thefts is considerable. Police estimate that the cost of replacing stolen equipment reaches approximately 13.2 billion yen annually. By introducing mandatory ID checks for those buying or selling scrap metal, authorities hope to deter criminal activity and protect businesses from further losses.
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