City of Brantford calls for stronger scrap metal laws, bail reform

The City of Brantford is calling on both the provincial and federal governments to take stronger action against scrap metal theft and repeat property crimes.

In a statement released from the City, the call to action is in response to reports from local business owners about escalating break-ins, copper wire thefts, and property destruction. 

According to a statement from the city released today, such crimes have caused significant financial losses, increased insurance premiums, and spawned safety concerns among employees. 

While the City’s Salvage Yard Bylaw 37-2024, adopted in 2024, strengthened local regulations by requiring traceable transactions and banning cash payments, the statement suggests municipal efforts alone are not enough to deter organized theft operations.

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In August 2025, Brantford City Council approved a motion from Ward 4 Councillor Linda Hunt directing staff to launch an advocacy campaign urging the Province of Ontario to implement a consistent province-wide scrap metal statute and calling on the Government of Canada to modernize the Criminal Code and reform the bail system to better protect communities from repeat offenders.

“Local businesses are suffering the same losses over and over again because offenders can simply cross municipal lines and continue operating without consequence,” said Councillor Linda Hunt. 

“This campaign gives our business community a direct voice to provincial and federal leaders, urging them to close the loopholes that allow this cycle to continue.  We need unified, enforceable laws that protect our communities and the people who work so hard to sustain them,” she said. 

Through this advocacy effort, Brantford businesses are being asked to share their experiences directly with elected officials and decision makers using a customizable letter template available here. 

Each letter provides a space for business owners to describe the personal and financial impact of theft, as well as the challenges posed by repeat offenders released on bail.

The campaign’s goal is to strengthen the voices of Brantford businesses and encourage legislative reform.

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