A bale of scrap copper. File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / hroephoto.

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Five London salvage yards have been charged as the city cracks down on lax practices that could be helping thieves make quick cash for stolen metal.

The theft of copper and palladium, a material found in catalytic converters, has been steadily rising throughout London over the past few months. The increase is blamed, in part, on the ease with which the stolen products can be sold to scrap yards. In response, the city held a month-long regulation compliance blitz in January to ensure area salvage yards are adhering to by-laws that deter this type of crime.

In total, five scrap yards were charged with accepting scrap metal without verifying identification, failure to keep transaction records, and operating without a business licence.

“Bylaw regulations are in place for a reason, we need to address this criminal activity from a variety of fronts including eliminating the opportunity for a quick cash sale,” London bylaw manager Orest Katolyk said in a statement issued on Monday.

In December, London police began advising drivers to park in well-lit areas due to the jump in catalytic converter thefts, primarily in the downtown.

While police state it is not uncommon to see periodic increases in this type of theft, salvage yards do play a key role in curbing these crimes.

“The verification of identity and keeping of transaction records by businesses when someone is selling these types of goods is an important deterrent; if criminals can’t make money from a stolen item, they are much less likely to steal it,” said Staff Sergeant Alex Krygsman.

Salvage yard owners with questions related to the business license by-law can get more information either in person at City Hall or by calling the licensing office at 519-930-3515.