Hyndburn scrap metal thefts shock
11:39am Monday 6th September 2010 in
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- By David Watkinson » Deputy news editor
ALMOST half of all scrap metal thefts from empty homes in Hyndburn happened within 160 meters of a single street, new figures show.
Graham Jones, Hyndburn MP, said the issue was such a problem than more needed to be done to raise awareness of the issue.
Figures obtained by Mr Jones show that of 32 burglaries between July last year and June this year targeting empty homes with the intention of stripping it of scrap metal, 41 per cent happened near Nuttall Street.
The street, in the Woodnook area of Accrington, has been dogged by rogue landlords and empty properties and problems in the area led to Hyndburn Council introducing a new landlord licensing scheme, which will come in to place next month.
Mr Jones said: “I have recently researched a particular crime, burglary of empty properties. Hyndburn borough has some 2,200 empty residential properties plus an unknown, but high number of empty commercial properties.
“These empty properties are a problem and are adding to the burden of the police in dealing with sometimes boarded up and abandoned houses.
“People need to be aware, especially in Woodnook that these professional thieves are ripping out all the pipe and metal work in these properties at great cost repair.
“They are targeting houses under renovation knowing the value of the metal work will be available to steal.
“The thieves have been removing copper pipes/radiators/boilers/water tanks and in some cases a bathroom suite and a gas cooker and extremely dangerously, a gas meter for scrap value."
Mr Jones said he wanted to work with police on the matter, adding: "I want to highlight these problems to draw attention to the problems of Woodnook and empty homes, and to widen awareness to this sort of crime which appears to be on the increase.”
Lancashire police has led two summer crackdowns on burglaries.
Sergeant Simon Holderness said: “Burglary is low in Lancashire but we advise residents to make sure their homes are locked and secure at all times.”
Comments(5)
Slimplynth
says...
12:51pm Mon 6 Sep 10
I had Lead nicked from my house.. I gave a statement, so did another guy on my terrace... the perps had ripped off the lead from most of Rishton's skyline.
They were caught red handed by the police and one was alleged to have bitten a WPC during capture.. I recieved a letter several months later telling me the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence... unbelievably crackers - why work and pay taxes when you can just add to the misery/cost of living for honest folk and get paid for it. Suppose it keeps the police in jobs and off the streets, where they might otherwise be causing trouble for the rest of society (sarcastic smile)
pez63
says...
2:25pm Mon 6 Sep 10
useyourhead wrote:Spot on comment,i think some sort of permit should be brought in,but it will not stop thefts as legitimate traders would buy off theives for a lower price and lose stolen scrap on bigger legitimate contracts.The other option i think may deter potential theives is employing a contractor to go round to all properties spraying accessable scrap with the paint they spray houseold goods with or at least advising property owners to do this for themselves,can`t remember what they call the special paint they use but am sure someone else knows what am on about.If they used this method scrap would have to be melted down to be able to sell it on,so if the thefts carry on and no dealers are reporting any stolen scrap then its time to look at the dealers more closely.
as a legitimate trader who does take scrap to the scrapyards, i find that although they take your vehicle reg and whatever name you offer, they still pay cash! - perhaps they ought to ask for bank details or issue cheques, it may deter some of the thieves as they won't want a potential paper trail back to them! - just a thought!
useyourhead
says...
3:40pm Mon 6 Sep 10
pez63 wrote:i agree, the dealers have never raised an eyebrow when i have been, not that i go often, but when you go into the yard there for all to see are the manhole covers and such like that you would safely guess have not been brought in by highways agency legitimately! it does not seem to be well regulated at all.
useyourhead wrote: as a legitimate trader who does take scrap to the scrapyards, i find that although they take your vehicle reg and whatever name you offer, they still pay cash! - perhaps they ought to ask for bank details or issue cheques, it may deter some of the thieves as they won't want a potential paper trail back to them! - just a thought!Spot on comment,i think some sort of permit should be brought in,but it will not stop thefts as legitimate traders would buy off theives for a lower price and lose stolen scrap on bigger legitimate contracts.The other option i think may deter potential theives is employing a contractor to go round to all properties spraying accessable scrap with the paint they spray houseold goods with or at least advising property owners to do this for themselves,can`t remember what they call the special paint they use but am sure someone else knows what am on about.If they used this method scrap would have to be melted down to be able to sell it on,so if the thefts carry on and no dealers are reporting any stolen scrap then its time to look at the dealers more closely.
newrose
says...
7:47am Tue 7 Sep 10
It is not the fault of the land lords , police need to protect us from thieves and council need to reduce housing stocks.
www.drivingpianoless
onsnelson,co.uk/
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useyourhead says...
12:13pm Mon 6 Sep 10
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perhaps they ought to ask for bank details or issue cheques, it may deter some of the thieves as they won't want a potential paper trail back to them!
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just a thought!