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Crackdown on metal thefts

 
A new operation has been launched to crackdown on the theft of valuable metals from businesses and public buildings in the borough.

Following a recent spate of metal thefts from schools, churches, council buildings and local businesses, we have teamed up with the police to become one of the first London boroughs to take a tough stance on metal thefts. We will be targeting thieves and companies who profit from stolen materials and stolen vehicles.

New security measures

Stolen materials - such as copper phone cables, iron manhole and gully covers, road signs and metal from catalytic converters from cars - are being better protected by a number of new measures, including:

  • A registration scheme for scrap metal dealers and motor salvage yards, which will mean companies will not be able to operate unless they are registered with the Council, and will have to keep detailed logs of all buyers and sellers, along with records of all their materials.

  • Permission for Police and Council licensing inspectors to visit salvage and scrap yards 24-hours a day to inspect any premises, its records, and any goods or materials.

  • Registration packs that will be presented to around 30 known scrap dealers across the borough during site visits over the summer months.

  • Licensing officers visiting firms believed to be handling metals.

Forensic grease

In addition, targeted and vulnerable metals will be treated with a forensic grease known as SelectaDNA. This carries a DNA code and can be traced on stolen metals as well as clothing and the hands of anyone who comes into contact with it.

The Council has begun treating metals with this grease and will be using it on buildings across the borough over the next few months. Warning signs about the chemical property-marking are also in place.

Keeping track

Councillor Maureen O’Mara, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said:

"We have launched this operation to ensure that scrap metal dealers are playing by the rules and any business found operating without having registered will be liable for a fine. These stolen metals are going somewhere and there are only so many places that are willing to buy, melt and sell them on.

"We hope the registration scheme and the chemical marking will help us keep a closer track of materials and the dealers that handle them."

Report suspicious behaviour

If you notice any suspicious activities in your area, you can report it by calling the police on 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

28 July 2008

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