300 police officers mobilised to target metal thieves across the area

At 11:00am this morning 300 police officers from Avon and Somerset Police simultaneously entered and searched 50 scrap metal dealerships across the force area.

The day of action comes as part of the Constabulary's ongoing "Operation Relentless" campaign, and is aimed at targeting criminals who deal in stolen metal, handle stolen goods and the thieves that steal it.

Metal theft is increasing nationally due to the global rise in metal prices. Currently a ton of copper is worth over £5000 and lead approximately £2,000, making metal a very attractive commodity to both opportunist thieves and organised crime groups.

Metal theft affects people at all levels from national companies and businesses, to local authorities, places of worship, community buildings and private homes. It is estimated to cost the UK over £1 billion pounds a year.

We have previously featured a number of stories where people have had metal items stolen from outside their homes including car parts and cycles.

Fortunately in the Avon and Somerset force area figures indicate that the number of metal thefts are considerably lower than most other areas across the UK.

The Constabulary has been running proactive operations across the force to tackle metal theft as well as working with scrap dealers to decrease the market in which thieves can operate.

Inspector Ray Hulin, the force lead on metal theft, who is leading today's operation said: "Any legitimate scrap dealers we have visited today, who actively refuse to deal with stolen metal and who engage with local policing teams, have nothing to fear.

"We hope that our action today reassures the public of the importance that the Constabulary places upon the theft of metal.

"We will continue to use an intrusive approach in dealing with the thieves and handlers who are making a lot of money at the cost and inconvenience of everyone else. Every tax payer has to pick up the bill for this criminality in some form or another.

"It isn't just a financial impact that metal theft has on communities and individuals – it can also put people's lives at risk. Recently a BT cable was cut in Somerset resulting in the loss of phone and internet services to over 4000 homes and businesses; it also knocked out the Coastguard's emergency communications capability for 12 hours.

"I would urge people to contact police if you are approached by anyone in relation to scrap metal."

Support groups, sniffer dogs, financial investigators and officers from Police Headquarters are assisting district officers in today's searches, which will continue throughout the day. Officers from British Transport Police and BT's investigation team are also supporting the operation.

Inspector Hulin added: "I want to send a clear and direct message to those involved in metal theft and those who handle stolen goods, we will not tolerate it and we will be relentless in bringing you to justice."

Homeowners, business and farms can use some effective and relatively low cost methods to minimise the risk of becoming a victim of metal theft:

Homeowners:

- Don't leave metal, scrap, copper piping or batteries on display. Make sure they are stored out of site and preferably locked away.

- Mark your property using an ultra-violet pen or forensic marking fluid such as SmartWater. Heavy metal items such as lawn mowers can be marked with a hammer and a set of punches. Mark items with your postcode and house number or name. You can mark the item out of sight.

- Make it difficult for thieves to gain access to your property. Keep fences in good condition, restrict access via side passages and keep gates locked particularly when you are out.

- Don't make it easy for thieves to get onto your roof – place waste bins and ladders away from buildings and secure them if you can. Thieves could use your wheelie bin or wheelbarrow to take the stolen metal away, so try and put them away where possible.

- Cut back any vegetation which might shield a thief from view.

- Fit PIR sensor lighting around you property.

- Ask neighbours to report any suspicious activity near your house and do the same for them.

- Join Neighbourhood Watch.

Farms and rural locations:

- Farms or small holdings can join their local FarmWatch Scheme – speak to your local police team for details.

- Consider additional security measures at such as sensor lighting, CCTV and alarms. Stand Alone Beam Alarms are a less expensive option.

- Don't leave metal, scrap, copper piping or batteries on display. Make sure they are stored out of site and preferably locked away.

- Mark your property using forensic marking fluid such as SmartWater. Heavy metal items can be marked with a hammer and a set of punches.

- Fit a gate at the entrance of your drive, yard or property and keep it shut whenever possible. Lock the gate overnight.

- Make sure that valuable items are stored in secure buildings with good quality doors and British Standard locks and windows. Consider parking a vehicle in front of the doors overnight.

- Keep farm boundaries in a good state of repair so that fences and gates cannot be moved easily. Lock gates with padlocks.

- To prevent gate thefts use capping hinges or inverse/bend the hinge pins and spot-weld washers to the gate pins to stop bolts being undone.

- Don't leave attachments out and in the same place for extended periods of time. Thieves could learn of their location and they can be stolen to order.

- Trailers and horse boxes can be stolen and used to steal other items, including anything in them. Lock them away or use a hitch lock.

- Lock equipment in sea containers if they need to be stored away from farm buildings.

- If you see vehicles or people behaving suspiciously or seem to be loitering or out of place – perhaps driving up and down a particular area, call the police and alert your local watch.

Businesses:

- Commercial premises consider additional security measures such as PIR sensor lighting, CCTV and alarms.

- Don't leave metal, scrap, copper piping, cabling or batteries on display. Make sure they are stored out of site and preferably locked away.

- Use lockable skips.

- Mark your property such as lead flashing, RSJs etc using forensic marking fluid. Heavy metal items can also be marked with a hammer and a set of punches.

- Lock equipment, tools or materials in sea containers if they need to be stored away from buildings.

- If you see vehicles or people behaving suspiciously or seem to be loitering or out of place – perhaps driving up and down a particular area, call the police.

- Fit a gate at the entrance of your drive, or yard and keep it shut whenever possible. Lock

If you would like further advice regarding protecting your home or business, please contact your local Safer, Stronger Neighbourhood Team 0845456 7000.

If you have information about illegal activities in your area, you can either contact your local policing team by calling 0845 4567000 or you can report crime on-line by logging on to www.avonandsomerset.police.uk and clicking on the "Contact Us" tab.

Alternatively you can call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org they never ask for your name or trace your call.