Metal thefts plummet

METAL thefts have plummeted in North Lincolnshire, dropping by more than 70 per cent in a year.

As metal values have crashed around the world, thieves have given up on pilfering everything from scrap, wiring and lead flashing to ingots, street signs and drain covers.

Between January and the beginning of July this year, Humberside Police's B-Division recorded a total of 81 metal thefts in North Lincolnshire– in the same period in 2008 incidents totalled 359.

The 77 per cent nose dive in crimes puts metal thefts at the lowest figure since 2006 when only 31 incidents were recorded in the same period. In 2007 the figure was 171.

The plunge in crimes is directly linked to the recession, with prices at rock bottom for all metals including gold, lead and copper.

Many of the crimes have been dealt with by Neighbourhood Policing Teams, as they have happened at homes, businesses, schools, churches and other buildings all around the region.

Sgt James Main, of Scunthorpe South team which includes Ashby, Frodingham and Brumby.

He said: "We have seen a reduction in metal thefts for a number of reasons, the Neighbourhood Teams have, over a period of time, targeted patrols over the prime times the thefts were occurring.

"Predominantly the price of metal has fallen to previous low levels and has therefore made this type of theft far less profitable.

"Markings of certain metals have taken place and people have become far more aware of the thefts and taken responsible precautions and reported suspicious incidents.

"We have also worked with some of the scrap metal dealers to deter and make it a lot harder for the thieves to be able to cash in their spoils."

He added: "Whilst some thefts still occur we certainly have not seen the number previously reported and would ask people to remain vigilant and report incidents to police or Crime Stoppers."

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