Metal theft

An image of metal which can be stolenAn image of leading on a roofAn image of metal which can be stolen

Global rises in the price of lead and copper have brought increases in metal thefts.

Over recent months the price of metal has increased substantially which has made it very desirable for criminals. Metal-framed windows, roofs, copper rainwater pipes, iron gates, manhole covers and even church bells are all valuable items and can mean high rewards for thieves. Homes, churches, business premises and public buildings are all potential targets that could suffer from metal theft.

Help us to help you. Northumbria Police targets offenders and works towards reducing this kind of crime, but there are ways of avoiding becoming a victim or repeat victim:

Advice for reducing metal thefts:

  • Consider your existing security measurers. Do Intruder Alarms, CCTV and adequate lighting cover the site?

  • Security lighting is very important - not only does it deter intruders and light up vulnerable areas, but also alerts you to anyone trying to get on to the roof

    • Dusk till dawn security lighting is highly efficient and low-energy, switching on automatically when daylight fades and giving an even spread of light.

    • The other main form of lighting is Passive Infra-Red Detector (PIR), which operates by sensing movement.

  • Consider using CCTV with adequate monitoring and recording, accompanied with overt signs around the site. Further information on the legal requirements for using CCTV can be found on the Information Commissioner website or by calling 01625 545745

  • Review the security of perimeter fencing and gates on a regular basis, checking for holes or weak spots that might assist access to your site

  • Consider planting prickly shrubs around the perimeter fence

  • Where possible keep gates locked and restrict vehicle access to your property or premises

  • Remove any means of transporting metal away, such as wheelie bins and wheelbarrows

  • Maximise the level of natural surveillance:

    • Shrubs and hedges should be trimmed to around 1 metre with any tree canopy no lower than two metres.

    • The best hedging for a barrier is one that is thick, prickly and difficult to penetrate such as Pyracantha or Berberis.

  • Remove any means where possible intruders could gain access to your roof, such as water butts, wheelie bins and garden furniture.

  • Store ladders in a safe place, ideally chained securely to a wall and locked in a secure outbuilding such as a garage or shed.

  • Be a good neighbour and encourage members of your community to be vigilant:

    • Consider using external signs asking neighbours to alert police if they see suspicious activity in the neighbourhood.

  • Take a note of the appearance and registration numbers of any unfamiliar vehicles. This information can be of great help to police if there is an incident in your area.

  • Consider starting or joining a Neighbourhood/Business/Farm Watch scheme. Ask your local Neighbourhood Policing Team for details of schemes in your area.

  • Consider applying anti-climb paint to drainpipes and roof guttering, making climbing difficult for offenders. It needs renewing periodically and should only be applied above 2.4 metres from the ground. It must be accompanied by appropriate clear signage, in compliance with the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984 and the Health and Safety Act 1974.

  • Use forensic security-marking products to mark metal goods and link thieves to a crime scene. Signs that warn forensic marking are a good deterrent and should be prominently displayed. Details of forensic marking products can be found on the Secured by Design website.