CHOOSE
A DIFFERENT TERRITORY
Metal theft is not a victimless crime.
When copper cable is stolen from the UK’s telecoms network, communities lose access to vital services. Homes and businesses can be left without broadband or landlines. Vulnerable people can lose critical connections. Engineers are diverted from building tomorrow’s network to repairing criminal damage today.
That’s why EMR is partnering with Openreach and Crimestoppers to help tackle metal theft and prevent stolen materials entering the recycling supply chain.
As one of the UK’s largest metal recycling companies and operator of the UK’s largest cable granulation facility, EMR is committed to responsible recycling, transparent material traceability and raising standards across the sector.
Tomorrow’s infrastructure depends on today’s materials being handled the right way.
Metal recycling companies can unknowingly receive stolen material. That’s why strong controls, robust checks and close collaboration across the sector matter.
EMR works closely with law enforcement, customers and industry bodies to help deter theft, identify suspicious activity and protect critical infrastructure.
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, the recycling industry operates under strict legal requirements. At EMR, these measures are supported by additional processes designed to strengthen traceability and accountability across the supply chain.
No cash payments for scrap metal transactions.
Mandatory photo identification and proof of address checks.
CCTV systems across all UK sites.
Traceable audit processes for higher-risk materials.
Colleague training and site-level escalation procedures for suspicious loads.
As part of the initiative with Openreach and Crimestoppers, EMR has also installed signage across all of its UK sites reinforcing its policy to refuse any materials suspected of being stolen from Openreach or any part of the UK telecoms network.
The signage supports EMR’s wider work to promote responsible recycling practices, improve material traceability and help raise standards across the industry.
Because valuable materials should stay in circulation, not in criminal hands.
Copper is a critical material for the UK’s future.
It powers telecoms networks, renewable energy infrastructure, transport systems and the technologies needed for the transition to a lower-carbon economy. As demand for copper continues to grow, responsible recycling plays an increasingly important role in securing future supply.
At EMR, we make the most of what we’ve got before it’s gone.
By safely recycling cable and recovering valuable materials, we help keep resources in circulation, reduce waste and support more resilient domestic supply chains.
If you believe your metal goods, cable, tools or vehicle parts have been stolen:
Crimestoppers encourages the public to report suspected metal theft or suspicious activity anonymously. If you have information about metal theft, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the Crimestoppers website.
Together, we can help protect communities, critical infrastructure and the materials needed for tomorrow’s networks.
