Practical Tips To Avoid Metal Theft

To reduce the risk of metal thefts please consider the following measures as an aid to prevent crime

For manufacturers:

  • Make sure all metals are where possible kept out of sight:
     This may involve keeping your main gates and doors shut to prevent unwanted tourists scouting your premises. Use access control.
    It's too late when you approach the tourists and they provide some simple excuse as they have already seen what's they are looking for.
  • Keep Off-cuts and scrap secure:
     Keep high value off-cuts inside a protective cage away from the door and where they can be seen.
     Don't keep scrap hanging about as it's attractive to others
  • Keep tools and machinery secure. Make sure portable equipment is uniquely identified as your property.
  • Be aware of strangers and ask them politely to leave your premises

For property owners:

  • Try to use alternatives to lead for repairs as this will reduce risk.
  • Lead can be coated in anti-climb paint as the paint does not degrade the lead but makes it difficult and messy for the thief who has a hard job removing the paint as it's non-drying.
  • Lead can also be painted with silver paint as the coating reduces its value making it less valuable to the thief.
  • Forensic marking can be used in either liquid or grease form but not in isolation.
  • Battery operated detector systems are now available for used in areas such as Church roofs where a rapid response service can help.

Some simple ways of removing risk which can aid crime prevention include:

  • Where possible limit access or make it difficult for the potential thief
  • Ensure ladders are removed and stored securely.
  • Don't leave tools or anything that can help a thief lying around.
  • Block off access routes to lead roofs.
  • Paint or grease the metal to make it more difficult to remove and less valuable.
  •  Install perimeter protection, consider security lighting and CCTV

For help or advice how BusinessWatch can help you reduce metal theft within your business please telephone BusinessWatch on 0845 108 5409 or email info@businesswatch.org