Companies affected by metal theft are calling on EU policymakers to take action in order to prevent and counter metal theft in Europe.

Eleven associations representing the railway, public transport and energy sectors as well as the recycling industry are calling for action.

The newly-formed coalition aims to raise awareness about the negative effects of metal theft on the functioning and quality of services and its overall impact on public life.

They’ve issued a statement which sets out the areas action is needed.

The statement said proper implementation and enforcement of existing waste laws across Europe are crucial in order to prohibit uncontrolled management of metal waste and scrap.

It also said new measures need to be proposed for the identification of metal waste and scrap buyers and sellers should be considered in order to allow for more efficient investigations and prosecution.

The cross-border nature of metal theft means better international co-operation is needed between law enforcement authorities.

Common definitions and sanctions need to be introduced in order to make foreseen penalties for metal theft proportional to the actual impact and cost of the crime, they said.