With prices of metal high, metal theft is a major problem, say police. Offenders are taking serious risks stealing metal from railway lines, electricity cables and other installations….
In West Yorkshire, Wakefield police are continuing to focus on the theft and handling of scrap metal supported by British Transport Police, Network Rail, Northern Powergrid, Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise, Wakefield Council and the Regional Roads Policing Team.<br><br>They led a meeting in Wakefield on Monday, December 19, attended by the metal trade. Its aim was to ensure that metal traders are properly informed when accepting metal and to introduce a new initiative called Metal Watch. This will provide metal traders with a support network, including the police and external agencies, where they can find information and advice and on a daily basis. Police will provide information that will assist in the identification of stolen metals.<br><br>Sergeant Dan Tillett, of Pontefract and Knottingley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: ‚ÄúWe wanted to paint a realistic picture of the cost and impact of thefts to the victim, both residential and corporate.<br><br>"Issues of public safety and horror stories of harm to offenders are clearly emotive and impactive. Thieves can not sell their ill gotten gains if we make the point of sale less easy and attractive to them. Powerful presentations were delivered by Northern Power Grid, Network Rail, West Yorkshire Fire Service and the Proceeds of Crime Act on the impacts of metal theft.<br><br>"The meeting was very constructive and positive. I would like to thank everyone who attended, especially the metal dealers themselves. We were able to break down barriers and begin to share information. I believe positive relationships have been built that will get stronger through the proposed partnership working, and I am sure will be successful in the fight against metal theft. We now very much look forward to the launch of Metal Watch early in the new year.‚Äù
