NEWS

How Rural Businesses in Cornwall Can Prevent Scrap Metal Theft


Scrap metal theft is making an unwelcome return across Cornwall, with rural businesses increasingly being targeted for valuable materials like copper piping, roofing lead, and aluminium fixtures. Whether you’re a farm, builder, plumber, or small manufacturer, protecting your metal assets is more important than ever.

While the trend for thefts had been down at the start of the year, in June 2025, police issued a warning about a growing spate of thefts targeting tradespeople, builders’ yards, and redundant buildings across Cornwall.

“We are concerned regarding this growing spate of metal thefts. Scrap metal and other materials such as copper pipes have been stolen from both commercial and private premises.” — Sergeant Graham Claybourn, Camborne Community Safety Team

Why Rural Businesses Are at Risk

Rural locations often mean:

  • Less surveillance and fewer passers-by
  • Remote outbuildings and storage areas
  • Valuable materials left on-site overnight
  • Seasonal downtime, making sites appear unoccupied

Thieves know this—and they’re targeting everything from copper cabling to old machinery and even catalytic converters.

7 Ways to Protect Your Scrap Metal

  1. Secure Your Site
    • Use lockable containers or sheds for storing scrap.
    • Install motion-sensor lighting and CCTV—even dummy cameras can deter opportunists.
  2. Limit Visibility
    • Keep valuable materials out of sight from roads or footpaths.
    • Use fencing or tarpaulins to obscure scrap piles.
  3. Mark Your Metal
    • Use UV pens or engraving tools to mark tools and materials with your business name or postcode.
    • This helps police trace stolen goods and deters resale.
  4. Keep Records
    • Maintain a log of scrap materials, including weights, types, and collection dates.
    • Take photos of high-value items before storage.
  5. Work with Trusted Recyclers
    • Only use licensed scrap dealers like Henry Orchard & Sons, St Austell.
    • We provide full audit trails and prompt, secure collections.
  6. Train Your Team
    • Make sure staff know how to spot suspicious activity.
    • Encourage them to report anything unusual—especially after hours.
  7. Report Theft Immediately
    • Contact local police and Crimestoppers if you suspect theft.
    • The sooner it’s reported, the better the chance of recovery.

🤝 We’re Here to Help

As Cornwall’s leading independent scrap metal processor, we’re proud to support rural businesses with:

  • Secure, licensed collections
  • Top prices for ferrous and non-ferrous metals

 

If you’re concerned about security or want to schedule a collection, get in touch with our team today.

Let’s keep Cornwall’s businesses safe—and your scrap where it belongs.