Metal theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK
Rob Nikos
Thieves are cashing in on a crime trend brought about by scrap metal prices increasing in value several times over. School premises along with offices, churches and public buildings have been among the targets.
Figures published from the Home Office suggest that metal theft costs the country in excess of £360 million a year (2008).
The increased export value of lead and other metals, is encouraging both petty and organized criminals to take advantage and steal anything from manhole covers to copper piping, lead roofing to drainpipes and lead windows to flashing. The global rising prices of metals, for example the increase in copper value from 2003 – 2008 by 180%; appear to be a driving contributory factor in the increase of this type of crime.
Stuart Fisher, Wessex Fire & Security Director recently commented in the press by saying; “raising the awareness on certain areas of crime that are increasing is important, so both private and commercial property owners can take increased precautions to safeguard becoming a victim. Obvious security measures such as CCTV, perimeter alarms and security guarding are just some deterrents that will help. However, having a full risk assessment costs nothing and can significantly improve the battle against this type of crime.”
Historically there has been a correlation between metal values and level of metal theft. Metal theft was particularly prevalent during the summer of 2007 when lead values were over $4000 US/tonne (values from London Metal Exchange). A significant proportion of these offences were at public buildings, most notably schools and churches.
At that time police noticed that criminals usually involved in other forms of criminality (e.g. drugs supply) were switching to metal theft offences due to the profitability and difficulty in proving offences (as metal is often difficult to identify). The monetary value of these thefts are substantial as well as the damaging impact on community confidence and safety.
Some offences can go unnoticed, on 13th of August this year police were called to Windale Primary School in Oxford, where theft of lead was unnoticed until heavy rainfall leaked into the school causing considerable damage as well as being dangerous.
Here are 5 top tips to deter metal theft from your business premises:
1. Identify exactly where any valuable metal is on your business premises and make sure it is adequately protected, for example by installing CCTV with an infra-red facility.
2. Don’t leave wheelie bins or ladders lying around the premises – as they will make it easier for a thief to gain access to the roof.
3. Use effective lighting to any risk areas especially as the evenings draw in.
4. Restrict vehicle access to your premises (metal is nearly always transported by vehicles)
5. Consider using SelectaDNA which is an official police security initiative on any exposed metal. www.selectadna.co.uk
