Police make two arrests following theft in Shrewsbury
Two men were arrested on suspicion of theft just half an hour after reports a central heating boiler and other items had been stolen from a Shrewsbury builders’ merchants.
Officers were called to Travis Perkins just after 2pm yesterday following reports three men in a white van had left the site with a central heating boiler and various other items, including some electric shower systems.
A search was carried out and a white LDV van was found on the car park of the Harry Hotspur pub just half an hour later.
A 41-year-old man and a 27-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of theft, after items matching the description of those stolen were found in the back of the vehicle.
Both are from the Wolverhampton area and were interviewed before being released on police bail pending further enquiries. The van and its contents have been recovered for forensic examination.
A third man is believed to be outstanding. He is described as white, of large build and was wearing a white T-shirt with stripes on the back.
Anyone who might have seen this man or him and two others in the area of the Harry Hotspur pub from about 2.10pm that afternoon or who knows his identity is asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000.
Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who might have witnessed a white panel van in the area of Travis Perkins earlier in the day.
Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where a reward is sometimes offered.
Operation Livewire is West Mercia Police’s ongoing campaign to tackle the increase in metal thefts across the force area.
As part of the operation, any vehicle seen carrying scrap will be stopped and its occupants checked for the correct licence and insurance.
Spot checks will be made at scrap metal dealers across Shropshire and any found to have received stolen goods will be dealt with.
Advisory leaflets on how people can protect themselves from the various types of metal thefts are also being handed out to those most likely to become a victim.
Police also advise people to ensure metal such as roofing lead or copper piping and wiring is marked with a security product such as SmartWater, which is invisible to the naked eye but glows under a UV light to identify the owner if stolen.
For more information on securing your metals, contact police on 0300 333 3000.
