(Barbados Nation) A massive increase in theft of jewellery and copper has forced Government to revamp legislation to protect citizens and legitimate dealers.
Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite yesterday revealed that Government was in the process of amending two pieces of archaic legislation to bring the worrying situation regarding the cash-for-gold and copper trading businesses under control.
By the end of the year, people found guilty of stealing jewellery to exchange for cash or stealing copper, could, by summary conviction, be sentenced to two years in prison or fined Bds$10 000 or both. Those convicted for indictable matters could be sentenced to ten years in jail or fined Bds$10 000 or both.
The Attorney General said Government decided it had to do something about both illegal trades, after information from the Royal Barbados Police Force indicated a 34 per cent increase last year in crimes involving the theft of personal jewellery, or copper.
