Grande Prairie General Investigations Unit (GIS) have been, and currently are, running a project with the Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta (CISA) regarding Scrap Metal recyclers in the Grande Prairie Area. The purpose of the project is to help decrease the intent and to protect against metal theft. The Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act implement duties for scrap metal dealers and recyclers when they purchase or receive scrap metal. The Act also enables law enforcement to conduct compliance investigations, and establishes penalties for contraventions of the Act.

On Nov. 10, 2022, H&W Metals and Salvage were charged with failing to comply with The Scrap Metal Act where potential penalties for contravening the Act are as follows :

·First offence: $50,000

·Second or subsequent offence: $200,000.

If individuals are found guilty

·First offence: $10,000, or imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or both.

·Second or subsequent offence: $25,000, or imprisonment.

If you have information regarding metal theft, or any other illegal activity, please call the Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5701 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com ( http://www.p3tips.com/ ) or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

Information provided by the Grande Prairie RCMP