Derbyshire Police Target Scrap Metal Theft

An operation targeting the theft of scrap metal gets under way in Derbyshire from 1st September 2011.

Operation Calanthia has been set up to tackle the growing problem of theft of metal such as copper, lead, iron and steel.

It is thought the increasing demand for metals has led to an increase in prices and in turn led to more thefts.

The operation, which will run until the end of the year, will include enforcement action against those involved in the crime as well as raising awareness with local businesses and groups about the issue.

Officers will be identifying potentially vulnerable premises across the county, such as churches, schools and building sites, and offering them appropriate crime prevention advice and property marking.

Officers will also be paying regular visits to scrap metal merchants to remind them of the legislation around the receiving and recording of metal and encouraging them to contact the police around suspicious people.

There will also be planned enforcement action at selected times and dates to target those involved in stealing and conveying metal in the first place.

Superintendent Debbie Mathews, said: "Theft of scrap metal is an increasing issue for us as a force and due to current market conditions it can be quite lucrative for thieves to try to profit from this area."

"Some will think that these are victimless crimes and people are insured but far from it these crimes have a major impact on organisations, schools, hospitals, churches and businesses."

"The aim of the operation is to make it as difficult as possible for metals to be stolen in the first place and also difficult for those who seek to trade in such stolen goods."

Popular metals that are being stolen in Derbyshire include copper, lead, iron, steel, aluminium and precious metals, including those from catalytic converters and Air Conditioning units.