Metal theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK
Thieves are cashing in on a crime trend brought about by scrap metal prices increasing in value several times over. School premises along with offices, churches and public buildings have been among the targets.
Figures published from the Home Office suggest that metal theft costs the country in excess of £360 million a year (2008).
The global rising prices of metals, for example the increase in copper value from 2003 – 2008 by 180%; appear to be a driving contributory factor in the increase of this type of crime.
Stuart Fisher, Wessex Fire & Security Director commented; “raising the awareness on certain areas of crime that are increasing is important so both private and commercial property owners can take increased precautions to safeguard becoming a victim. Obvious security measures such as removing or securing mobile metal garden ornaments, CCTV, perimeter alarms and security guarding are just some deterrents that will help. However, having a full risk assessment costs nothing and can significantly improve the battle against this type of rise in crime.”
Historically there has been a correlation between metal values and level of metal theft. Metal theft was particularly prevalent during the summer of 2007 when lead values were over $4000 US/tonne (values from London Metal Exchange). A significant proportion of these offences were at public buildings, most notably schools and churches.
The monetary value of these thefts are very substantial as well as the damaging impact on community confidence and safety. At that time police noticed that criminals usually involved in other forms of criminality (e.g. drugs supply) were switching to metal theft offences due to the profitability and difficulty in proving offences (as metal is often difficult to identify). With the economic recovery, 2009 has again seen an increased level of offending particularly over the summer months.
Some offences can go unnoticed, on 13th of August this year police were called to Windale Primary School in Oxford, where theft of lead was unnoticed until heavy rainfall leaked into the school causing considerable damage as well as being extremely dangerous.
