Arrests made after empty homes are stripped of copper piping in Whitchurch
Police investigating a series of burglaries in which copper piping has been stripped from vacant homes in the Whitchurch area, have arrested three suspects.
They were arrested yesterday in the Mile Bank area following a tip-off from a member of the public. Two men aged 19 and 20 together with a 17-year-old youth, were taken into custody on suspicion of burglary.
They were arrested within minutes of police being alerted by a suspicious member of the public. Officers detained one person inside an empty cottage and two others were
arrested in a nearby field.
A quantity of copper piping and a boiler from the premises were recovered.
Detective Inspector Mick Homden praised the member of the public for contacting the police immediately they realised something suspicious was happening.
"This is exactly what we want - we rely on information and an immediate call to the police means we can check out suspicious activity without delay. The public are our eyes and ears and yesterday's call enabled officers to arrest burglary suspects at the location."
He said the number to ring is 0300 333 3000 or if a burglary was actually taking place, to call the emergency 999 number.
A number of vacant homes and properties undergoing renovation have recently been targeted by metal thieves in the Whitchurch area.
DI Homden said: "During the summer months there has been a significant increase in the number of homes targeted, and in particular, homes which are empty while building work is carried out. Empty homes are being targeted for metal items such as copper piping.
"For this reason, it is vital householders secure premises and do everything possible to make them look as though they are lived in. We also need people to report anything suspicious, such as strangers in old vans carrying what appears to be scrap metal and calling at properties."
He added: "I want people to be aware of what's happening so they can work with the police, contacting us immediately when they see something which raises their suspicions. We will check out every call and if it turns out to be a false alarm, it doesn't matter. Better to be safe than sorry."
West Mercia Police has a high profile campaign called Operation Livewire to tackle theft of metals such as lead, copper, cast iron and steel. Officers carryout regular stop checks on suspicious vehicles to examine their contents and to check their occupants for relevant licence and insurance.
Police in Shropshire are also making regular checks on scrap metal merchants to make sure they are not buying stolen goods and further work is being conducted with partner agencies to help counter the theft of metal.
The three arrested in Whitchurch yesterday have been given conditional bail while police inquiries continue.
