Shropshire Police take part in day of action against metal thefts
Tackling metal thieves is a major priority for the police in Shropshire, an officer said today, following a day of action.
Police Constable Ben Oakley, a member of West Mercia's Proactive Unit, said: "We are taking a zero tolerance approach to those who think they can make a quick buck by stealing and selling metal in the Shropshire area."
He was speaking following today's day of action nationwide in which police forces and their partner agencies focussed on issues surrounding the theft of metal and cable.
"We have had a good day checking with scrap metal merchants across the county, putting across key messages and advice. Our emphasis is to engage, encourage, educate and enforce.
"Officers have engaged with scrap merchants and others selling scrap to check their authenticity; we have encouraged the reporting of suspected stolen items or bad practice; educated them about the physical appearance of stolen items and offences committed if found in possession; and enforced any breaches in policy or in the law."
He said around 10 police officers and some community support officers had visited various scrap metal and scrap vehicle sites in the Shrewsbury area. Local Policing Teams across Shropshire also made impromptu visits to premises in their areas.
Also involved in the multi-agency exercise were Shropshire Council Licensing, the Smartwater company, British Transport Police, BT and the Environment Agency. Vehicles involved in touting for scrap metal were also stopped and searched.
PC Oakley said: "The purpose of today's exercise was to check that records of property going in and out of sites are being accurately recorded along with details of sellers and buyers. We have also checked for any stolen property.
"We want to remind everyone that metal theft is not a victimless crime. It can have a serious impact on the provision of services, for example cable from rail and telephone networks and lead from schools and churches.
"The risk of harm involved in stealing metal is high, both to the culprits themselves and innocent members of the public. West Mercia Police is taking a multi-agency approach to targeting metal thieves and those involved in handling stolen metal. Our aim is to reduce the number of offences and convict those who are responsible."
He added that further multi-agency operations would be carried out in the near future and urged people to report any suspicious people and vehicles. "We rely heavily on the public telling us of suspicious activity. We can then quickly check if they are legitimate fully licensed dealers while those who are acting criminally can be arrested and prosecuted."
Report anything suspicious to your nearest main police station on 0300 333 3000. Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.
