Police warning after metal thefts (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Police warning after metal thefts

1:30pm Wednesday 14th November 2007 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

Wiltshire Police are advising people with large quantities of metal to take appropriate measures to secure their property following a series of metal thefts in Swindon.

Since April 2007 there have been 177 offences of metal thefts in the Swindon area. In response to the problem Wiltshire Police are running an operation to reduce metal thefts.

As well as promoting crime prevention advice officers are working with scrap metal dealers to gather information and remind them of their responsibility not to accept stolen metal.

A recent example of metal theft is an offence which was committed at an electricity compound in Swindon on Saturday 27 October. Police attended immediately but on arrival found that the offenders had disappeared and that a quantity of aluminium had been stolen. Later that evening an officer using a specialist search dog attended and found large drums of cabling hidden nearby.

Speaking about the thefts, Chief Inspector Paul Mills said: "Unfortunately metal thefts are a national problem fuelled in part by high metal prices in Asia. We are currently working in partnership with Trading Standards to reduce the problem in Swindon and anyone found stealing or handling stolen metal will be dealt with robustly.

"Thieves have targeted both residential and business addresses and it is important that members of the public work with us to reduce the problem by making sure that any metal they have is secure. To this end we ask that all entrances to property are kept locked when not in use and items are removed which thieves could use to gain access to roofs or areas where metal is stored. If members of the public see anything suspicious I would ask that they contact the police in the fist instance."

If you see metal theft in progress please contact police immediately by dialling 999. To report a theft which has already occurred use the non-emergency number 0845 408 7000.

Crime Prevention Advice

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this crime consider the following security measures. These are equally applicable to residential and business properties and building sites.

* Make theft more difficult by removing items such as ladders and waste bins which allow access to the roof.

* Store ladders and other easily moved items securely so they cannot be used to gain access to roofs or scaffolding.

*Keep locked all gates and doors which give access to the property.

* Make sure your property is as visible as possible so that anyone removing metal can be clearly seen. Consider cutting back trees and using security lighting.

* Let trusted neighbours know when the site will be empty and ask them to report to police any workmen or vans on site during these times as they may be removing property.

* Consider the installation of CCTV equipment and the use of property marking equipment such as UV pens or SmartWater.