Two-Day Blitz on Metal Thefts Launched

A TWO-day operation to target metal thefts has been launched by 38 police forces around the country, including Humberside.

Officers in North Lincolnshire will embark on extra patrols, surveillance and visits to scrap-yards as part of the blitz.

The region has been hit by thefts of lead, copper and other metals since the start of the year, with 143 incidents – nearly six a week.

Metal worth tens of thousands of pounds has been looted, while churches, businesses, schools and homes have all fallen victim.

The latest 48-hour crackdown is intended to highlight work police are doing to combat thefts, as well as tackle incidents.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Leaver said: "Officers from across the Humberside Force area, including North Lincolnshire, have been targeting metal thieves as part of a two day national initiative.

"We have been working with partner agencies, including scrap dealers, to combat what appears to be an increasing problem.

"Metal thefts include thefts of lead from roofs which cause damage to the buildings, including homes, businesses and churches."

Mr Leaver said thieves were putting both themselves and members of the public at great risk for the chance to snatch metal.

He said: "To get to the lead (on roofs) thieves are having to climb up onto buildings and putting their lives in danger as there is a risk they will fall.

"Copper piping is also getting stolen which can cause damage to properties, not to mention leave many people in danger if a gas pipe is removed or damaged."

The problem is a national one, with thefts costing the economy around pounds360-million each year.

Prices of many metals have rocketed since 2001, especially copper, which has gone from pounds710 a tonne to pounds4,300 a tonne.

Locally, lead from church roofs, drain covers, road signs and scrap are among items targeted.

St Mary’s Church in Wrawby is thought to have been the worst affected locally, with thieves visiting three times in nine months and taking pounds25,000 worth of lead.

North Lincolnshire Homes (NLH) has resorted to using cheaper metals in a bid to keep criminals at bay.

NLH maintenance manager Mick Roberts said: "Lead theft is always a problem for us, it has been going on for almost two years.

"It has cost us thousands of pounds and has affected hundreds of our properties, soon there will be very few left with lead.

"We have started to use other materials, such as steel and aluminium."

He added: "We ask anybody who is affected, or who sees the theft taking place, to contact the police straight away."

For further information, visit www. humberside.police.uk

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