What can Neighbourhood & Home Watch members do about metal theft?

January 2012

This is a matter for everybody in the community, but Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch can lead the way.

Firstly, we all need to be alert to the situation and keep watch for vans and trucks driving around our streets looking for the opportunity to steal metal, and reporting the details to the local police or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).

No item of intelligence is ever too small; it might be the final piece of the jigsaw and in some cases there might even be the possibility of gaining a reward.

Secondly, be aware of workmen removing metal items in the street. The thieves are using uniforms, stolen vans etc. One witness recently reported that they did not look like real workmen - they were working too fast.

Thirdly, members also need to be on the lookout for unlicensed venues where stolen metal is cleaned up, often by burning of the covering and where the identifying marks are removed, before being taken to the licensed dealers. The police and local authorities need to know.

Finally, members who live in the vicinity of licensed and unlicensed sites must be alert to vehicles turning up outside the normal working hours. Again details should be passed to the local police.

    * This is a problem that affects us all and can lead to deaths.
  * Keep a watch out for suspicious vehicles and workmen.
  * Pass ALL information to the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.
 

  * Sign the online petition for a change in the legislation.