Metal thieves: criminals or entrepreneurs?
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Metal thieves: criminals or entrepreneurs?We keep being told by the coalition that we need to grow ourselves out of recession and the primary vehicle for growth should the hallowed SME, but when enterprising individuals take up Dave's advice and take a few risks all of a sudden officials go off the idea.
Seriously though, what do the coalition expect people to do, try and survive working in McDonalds on the NMW? There's no point doing that. Entry level jobs are a road to nowhere.
The rise in metal theft is a political problem not a moral one. The legitimate economy is no longer capable of paying a living wage so understandably desperate people will attempt to find an alternative, even if it means breaking the law. They can pass additional laws and attempt to tighten up the scrap metal trade but they'll only be addressing the symptoms of the problem rather than the cause. The cause is low wages.Last edited by chefdave; 18-05-2012 at 15:29. -
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Re: Metal thieves: criminals or entrepreneurs?(Original post by chefdave)
We keep being told by the coalition that we need to grow ourselves out of recession and the primary vehicle for growth should the hallowed SME, but when enterprising individuals take up Dave's advice and take a few risks all of a sudden officials go off the idea.
Seriously though, what do the coalition expect people to do, try and survive working in McDonalds on the NMW? There's no point doing that. Entry level jobs are a road to nowhere.
The rise in metal theft is a political problem not a moral one. The legitimate economy is no longer capable of paying a living wage so desperate people will attempt to find an alternative. They can pass additional laws and attempt to tighten up the scrap metal trade but they'll only be addressing the symptoms of the problem rather than the cause.
I immediately thought of the constant news stories of metal being stolen from railway lines and even more sickening - war memorials. Cables from railways can potentially be dangerous and cause serious harm to any commuters using the trains to get to work, and stealing from memorials...well...do I even need to expand on why that's disgraceful?
If they can't respect the people who died fighting for this country, deport them to Germany and their 'booming' economy and see what happens to them over there. -
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Re: Metal thieves: criminals or entrepreneurs?No, technically they're both theft. But if the government sticks a gun to society's head and demands 40-50% of a wage already eroded by living costs and excessive immigration (drives down wages) I understand why certain individual may want to opt out of the legal economy.(Original post by TheHansa)
taxation is theft but metal stealing is legit? -
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Re: Metal thieves: criminals or entrepreneurs?We live in a sick society. This isn't the fault of metal thieves.(Original post by HeyyImRyan)
I immediately thought of the constant news stories of metal being stolen from railway lines and even more sickening - war memorials. Cables from railways can potentially be dangerous and cause serious harm to any commuters using the trains to get to work, and stealing from memorials...well...do I even need to expand on why that's disgraceful?
If they can't respect the people who died fighting for this country, deport them to Germany and their 'booming' economy and see what happens to them over there. -
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Re: Metal thieves: criminals or entrepreneurs?(Original post by Freiheit)
I can't say I wouldn't do it if I had a family to feed and no job prospects.
Yes. Exactly. -
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Re: Metal thieves: criminals or entrepreneurs?You would make more money with a stable job at McDonald's, It would be consistent as well, not only that but it wouldn't be illegal.(Original post by chefdave)
Yes. Exactly.
I'm sure there are many many ways in which you could make money instead of stealing cables and metal which in most situations are there to keep people safe and make sure stuff works. -
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Re: Metal thieves: criminals or entrepreneurs?One theft on the news involved a bronze dragon that had recently been stolen from a garden in Teddington with an estimated scrap value of £3500, it would take you approximately 4.5 months to earn that sort of money on the NMW. In terms of remuneration then it's a no brainer: crime pays.(Original post by Rarrgh)
You would make more money with a stable job at McDonald's, It would be consistent as well, not only that but it wouldn't be illegal.
I'm sure there are many many ways in which you could make money instead of stealing cables and metal which in most situations are there to keep people safe and make sure stuff works.Last edited by chefdave; 18-05-2012 at 15:15. -
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Re: Metal thieves: criminals or entrepreneurs?Well done, your pedantry points are in the mail.(Original post by hothedgehog)
It's kinda in the name isn't it? Metal thief. -
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Re: Metal thieves: criminals or entrepreneurs?No, it's the crux of the discussion. Taking metal which isn't yours is theft, it doesn't matter how disenfranchised with society you feel.(Original post by chefdave)
Well done, your pedantry points are in the mail. -
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Re: Metal thieves: criminals or entrepreneurs?Yeah of course you can get lucky. But what they are mainly doing is stealing pipes, wires, and stuff that won't sell for much and is difficult, requires a lot of labor and is dangerous and illegal.(Original post by chefdave)
One theft on the news involved a bronze dragon that had recently been stolen from a garden in Teddington with an estimated scrap value of £3500, it would take you approximately 4.5 months to earn that sort of money on the NMW. In terms of remuneration then it's a no brainer: crime pays.
