Two arrested over Shrewsbury supermarket lead theft
Two men are today in custody at Shrewsbury police station on suspicion of stealing lead from the roof of a local supermarket.
Police officers were at the Asda superstore in Old Potts Way within minutes of receiving a call about two men spotted on the roof of the building.
The suspects were seen by a member of staff shortly before 12.30am today.
Officers carried out a search of the area arresting two men aged 22 and 23 on suspicion of stealing lead. They were found in a white Ford Escort van in the Netto car park on Abbey Foregate.
Quantities of lead were recovered from two locations nearby and the vehicle was seized for examination.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, head of Shropshire CID, said: “Officers were able to respond quickly on receiving information and as a result, two men were apprehended on suspicion of theft.
“This incident illustrates how early information can bring positive results. We depend on members of the public relaying information about suspicious activity to us. All they need to do is call 0300-333-3000 with the details and we will check it out.
“In particular, if people are spotted on buildings and it seems odd, then don’t turn a blind eye. Tell us so we can check. If it turns out to be genuine no harm is done and it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
DCI Edwards said an increasing number of property owners were marking lead and copper with Smartwater or other UV sensitive security products enabling the police to trace the owners when stolen metal was recovered. “This in turn increases the chances of us tracing the offenders,” he added.
West Mercia Police has an ongoing campaign called Operation Livewire focussing on metal thefts across the Force area. Numerous arrests have been made since it was launched.
