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Metal Theft

 As scrap metal prices rise, some areas can see an increase in metal theft, and in particular that of lead and copper.  In the first multi-agency operation of its size, Swale’s Community Safety Partnership is bringing together teams from Kent Police, Swale Borough Council, the Environment Agency, British Transport Police and the Government’s Department of Work and Pensions to target metal theft from all angles.  This latest joint initiative will utilise the combined tools and powers of all the agencies involved, making it even harder to transport or sell any stolen metal.

While the Partnership agencies have joined forces to actively seek out and arrest anyone found buying or selling any stolen metal items, residents can help protect their property by following a few simple steps.

 

 What are the tell tale signs of metal thieves operating?

  • Thieves can pose as tradesmen to steal lead from roofs or as utility/road workers to look for copper rich underground and telecommunication cabling. So, if you see any unexpected workman in you area or anyone acting suspiciously, REPORT IT immediately on 01622 690690. 
  • For more information from British Transport Police (BTP) about cable theft and how it affects your transport services, click here.

 

                                            How can you help?

If roof lead is stolen, often from churches, schools and private homes, property and water damage running into £1000's, as well asdisruption to the community, can occur. When cable is stolen, the railway often grinds to a halt as the vast majority of thieves target signalling cable – until this is repaired the railway cannot operate safely and so does not operate at all in the affected area. 

 

Similarly, when cable and metal is stolen from other industries, such as power or telecommunications companies, thousands of people can be left without vital services to their homes and businesses.  You can help us to stop these offenders causing such disruption to residents.

 

Cable thieves need to burn off the cable sheathing to get at the precious metal inside, so keep an eye out for frequent fires:
     - which produce black and/or acrid smoke
     - often in secluded spots (including back gardens, near rivers or in woodland).

NB A normal garden bonfire does not necessarily indicate cable burning. 

Help us stop these thieves and the disruption they can cause to residents, services and the communities which they serve. 

If you see anyone acting suspiciously, or think you have seen any evidence of metal theft or cable burning, REPORT IT immediately on 01622 690690 OR call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

                                                                                                     

Please remember that it is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure that any waste is disposed of legally by a ‘licensed waste carrier’.  For more information about Waste Carrier Licences and your responsibilities, contact Swale Borough Council on 01795 417850 or visit environment-agency.gov.uk