OPERATION STEEL – RELAUNCHED TO TACKLE RISE IN METAL THEFTS

WEST MIDLANDS POLICE has stepped up action to tackle thieves who are taking advantage of rising scrap metal prices across the region.
The Black Country has seen a particular rise in the number of metal thefts over the past few weeks, with numbers being stolen from doors, items being taken from cemeteries and skips being taken from industrial sites.
Inspector Dale Randle from Sandwell command unit said: "We have recently conducted some research around metal related thefts, which confirmed that there has been an increase in burglary offences where metal has been stolen.
"We have particularly seen a big increase in offences away from the home, such as on industrial estates and substations, where copper in particular has been targeted.
"With rising scrap prices again being offered we are concerned that the number of these offences will continue to increase, as it did two years ago, and so we are stepping up our efforts to tackle this type of crime."
Operation Steel was originally launched across the Black Country back in 2007 following a significant rise in metal thefts from homes and businesses in the area. The operation enjoyed significant success, with over 900 people arrested over the course of a year.
Statistics that year showed a gradual decline in the number of theft and burglary offences relating to stolen metal, partly attributed to such proactive policing tactics and also due to the decline in prices offered for scrap metal. Gradually, the tactics used during Operation Steel became part of everyday neighbourhood policing for the force.
Insp Randle added: "We have continued to do some good work around metal theft over the past year, but unfortunately the offence seems to be on the up again and so we are responding accordingly.
"We will be revisiting all scrap yards in the area to ensure they are working within the law and not accepting stolen goods, as well as conducting stop checks on vehicles we believe may be involved in suspicious or criminal behaviour.
"We have always taken a robust stance against this kind of crime and saw hundreds of arrests, with many of those brought before the courts.
"Our position has not changed since last time – if you are caught offending, then you will be prosecuted."
ADVICE
West Midlands Police issued the following tips to prevent metal theft:
1. Conduct a 'recce' of your premises – especially the external areas and the fabric of the building. What metal items do you possess or are part of the building? How easy would it be for a thief to steal them? Lead flashing and copper piping are especially attractive to thieves.
2. Lock garages, sheds, gates and doors – 'good housekeeping issues'. Consider ground anchors to secure large metal items inside such sheds.
3. Remove or padlock and chain any ladders, beer kegs, wheelbarrows, shopping trolleys, wheelie bins, etc. Wheelie bins are increasingly being used to transport stolen metal.
4. Remove easy means of access onto building roofs, such as water butts, wheelie bins and any other such object near to the building.
5. Prune back or remove entirely overhanging shrubs that could act as a climbing aid or provide a screen to hide criminal activity.
6. Use anti-vandal paint above two metres (6'6") high – together with a warning notice(s) highlighting its use. Such paint can be used on drain pipes, roof guttering, etc. to 'target harden' your property.
7. Property mark and photograph metal items (including unusual and high value metal items such as statues, garden urns, seats and fountains), in order to aid identification if they are stolen.
8. Establish good house-keeping rules to challenge those attempting to impersonate authorised persons gaining access.
9. Consider installing a 'bells only' intruder alarm, or upgrading to a central station monitoring system to warn off intruders.
10. Businesses could consider installing a CCTV system with a minimum seven day, real time recording facility.
11. Ensure that your security lighting works, especially during long winter nights.
12. Report suspicious behaviour to the police. In an emergency or when you see the crime is actually taking place, dial 999 and quote 'Operation Steel'. In all other situations telephone 0845 113 5000 and ask for your local police station. If you have information about any crime, please phone CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111.

(Reproduced from West Midlands Police web site Dec 22nd 2009)

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