Case Studies

Metal theft fight goes online

by Mark Rowe

Northern Powergrid, the electricity distributor for the North East and Yorkshire, and the charity Crimestoppers are going online in their fight against metal thieves.

For the first time users of Facebook, living in two areas of Newcastle recently targeted by thieves, will see online messages appealing for information and warning about the deadly dangers of tampering with the power network. Links then take users to the Crimestoppers website for more information or to give information about crime anonymously.

Earlier this year, hundreds of homes in Byker and Longbenton, Newcastle, were left without power when thieves broke into substations causing considerable damage and stealing copper cable. It took engineers several hours to repair the damage and restore electricity supplies.

Metal theft causes power cuts affecting thousands of people each year and leaves Northern Powergrid with an annual repair bill of around £8m. Of more significance is the increased safety risk from electrocution this crime causes to members of the public, Northern Powergrid staff and contractors, the emergency services and the thieves themselves.

Nigel Walker, Northern Powergrid’s Vulnerable Assets Manager said: “Through our work with Crimestoppers and the police, we’ve made real progress in tackling metal theft, but there’s still work to do. This is the first time we’ve used social media to promote the message that communities themselves can help us stamp out this truly anti-social crime. We’re initially targeting Byker and Longbenton because these are two areas to have suffered the very real consequences of metal theft this year, leaving hundreds of homes and businesses without power while our engineers worked to repair the damage and restore supplies.”

Crimestoppers Regional Manager for the North East, Dave Hunter, said: “Metal theft not only causes financial loss and inconvenience to many individuals living across the UK, but it also puts those involved at considerable physical risk .

“We are happy to be supporting Northern Powergrid in raising awareness of this crime and its dangers as well as encouraging the Newcastle community to speak up about metal theft anonymously via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111. Tell us what you know not who you are.”

In a separate case, a West Midlands metal thief has been banned from entering South Worcestershire.

Stuart Alan Jones is prohibited from entering the Worcester City, Malvern Hills and Wychavon council areas for five years as part of a Criminal Anti Social Behaviour Order imposed by Worcester magistrates on Friday, 31 May.

Jones, aged 35, of Victoria Road, Tipton, is only allowed to enter the area if he is merely passing through it in a vehicle travelling on the M5.
Jones is also prohibited from being in possession when away from his home address of any metal object or objects weighing one kilogram or more unless they are being used for a legitimate purpose connected to day-to-day living.
If he breaches the order, he could be sent to prison for up to five years.

Inspector Jane Francis of West Mercia Police said after the case: “We are absolutely delighted we have been successful in applying for this CRASBO, which is believed to be the first one of its kind in West Mercia. Jones is a persistent offender, with 76 convictions, mainly for metal theft. He has caused untold damage to businesses and disruption to communities with his offending, showing blatant disregard for those affected, and by imposing a blanket ban on entering South Worcestershire, we hope to drastically cut the number of these type of offences.
“Importantly, he is also prohibited from being in possession of any metal items outside his home, which should prevent him from targeting another area instead.
“We hope this conviction demonstrates the seriousness with which both the police, and the courts regard serial offending, and our determination to deal with it.”

Related News

Newsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay on top of security news and events.

© 2024 Professional Security Magazine. All rights reserved.

Website by MSEC Marketing