It’s more than metal, so don’t cop out – that was the message from the Welsh police forces as they launched an all-Wales metal theft campaign. The aim, to encourage the public to report information to the police concerning metal theft if they see something unusual.
This could be anything from unknown vans parked up in the area, to the arrival of unexpected workmen. Over recent years, the price of metal has risen, driven by global economies and increased demand. Metal theft is now estimated to cost the UK economy around £770m every year.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Jukes, the ACPO Cymru lead for tackling metal theft said: “These types of crimes are committed mostly in full view of the public, however, most of us presume that if we see people in work-type clothing or yellow jackets working on power cables or on roofs, then they must have someone’s permission. But I encourage everyone to question what they see. If the vans, the uniforms, the time of day or the behaviour doesn’t seem right to you, then contact police.”
Victims of these crimes are working with police in the campaign to encourage the public to report anything suspicious. To protect your property from metal thieves police advise:
* Ensure your gates are locked and your property is secured.
* Restrict access to the roof by moving bins, water butts and tall trees away from the property. Lock ladders away in sheds, garages or compounds.
* Remove any means of transporting stolen material, such as wheelbarrows or bikes
* Apply anti-climb paint to drainpipes and roof guttering to help restrict access to the roof
* Consider installing security lighting at your property
* Paint the lead with tar (makes removal difficult) or any other paint as this de-values the lead
* Carry out regular checks to roofs and gulleys
* Consider installing CCTV to cover the property with adequate monitoring and recording
* Encourage members of your community to keep a vigilant eye on your property and report any suspicious activity.
