CROSSHIRE MAKE SURE YOU SIGN UP NOW
When I was aware that this EHN would be the 40th anniversary issue it, was almost instinctive to consider wallowing in nostalgia and recall names and events from the past. However, those of us who value our roots and traditions know well enough just how many milestones and challenges have put us where we are, so I now ask all of you to join in celebrating this event in a practical way.
You may recall only two issues ago that I highlighted the epidemic of scrap metal theft that is affecting all of us, both in business and private life. It appears that many industries have now had enough of this, and that it is time to act. However, representations made by the railway industry and others to the highest levels of government have so far been greeted with a pathetic and timid response.
Everyone with more than one brain cell agrees that making cash payments for scrap illegal would be the quickest, and most effective, single action to choke off metal theft. Disappointingly, our politicians have responded by saying that the government is committed to removing ‘red tape’ burdens on business and that such a measure would go against that initiative. What a load of manure this is! If they want to remove red tape, then they could make a start on consigning Business Investment Districts to history and reigning in the spies from the performing rights outfit who seem intent on making a levy on any business that has a radio on its premises, regardless of how and where it is used.
Could it be that someone has been scared off because much of the cash is paid to itinerant operators who are increasingly claiming their human rights? Although some police forces have made an effort, many reports of metal theft - even when it is actually taking place - have gone unattended. Unless there is
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danger to life, the police in general seem to regard the matter as low priority.
However, there are a few things that we can all do to get this matter well up the agenda. Top priority must be for all of us to go on to the website
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/406 This site allows us to urge the Government to change the law and ban cash transactions for metal. If 100,000 names are received, then Parliament is obliged to debate the issue. Get all senior managers and staff to register on this petition, because this is a problem that affects all our livelihoods.
In addition, I would say to those of you in senior positions with businesses that employ a large number of staff, please write to your MP explaining what a drain on resources this crime is. A personal letter, rather than an industry stereotyped matrix, has greater impact. Kick your local chamber of commerce into action to circulate their members about this petition and other advice.
A quick google of ‘metal theft’ will show we are by no means alone in facing this problem, but a co-ordinated effort across all industry is essential. We are a top ten victim, so we must play our part in pushing for this action. And last, but by no means least, Crosshire challenges the CPA and HAE to spend some of their members’ cash on effective lobbying
and protest on this issue. How about them making sure that all visitors to their stands at the Executive Hire Show have access to computers to sign the petition, there and then?
All industrial trade associations should be encouraged to support this initiative. As we celebrate the 40th year of genuine journalism representing the tool and equipment hire industry, EHN and yours truly look forward to doing our bit to seeing off the metal thieves. I will be watching the signature counter on the website with interest!
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