Case Studies

Scrap yard op

by msecadm4921

Wigan has seen metal thefts reduced in the town by 60 per cent in the last six months thanks to enforcement activity aimed at metal thieves, report Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Figures show that there were 125 metal thefts reported in Wigan between 1 April and 16 July 2012 compared to 313 in the same period the previous year which equates 188 fewer victims of this crime.

 

 

In recent months GMP officers have been carrying out enforcement activities at scrap yards and with scrap metal dealers to tackle the transport and sale of stolen metal. The activity has come as part of Operation Alloy, GMP’s response to increasing metal thefts.

 

Inspector Philip James from Wigan Division, said: “This type of work is now part of everyday policing not only here in Wigan but across the Force and the fact that we have such positive results shows that this work is making a real difference. Operation Alloy is making life difficult for criminals trying to make a fast buck through stealing metal. As well as working with partners in the utility and transport industries to bring criminals to justice we are also working with scrap metal dealers to help them adopt working practices that will make it harder for offenders to off load stolen metals on them.

 

“We are working at a lot of different levels to make Wigan a hostile environment for metal thieves. People can help us by making their homes, businesses and community buildings less vulnerable to thieves by using security lights, fencing, alarms and good locks to keep thieves at bay.

 

“They can also help us by providing information about suspicious activity either directly to us on 101 the new single non emergency number or anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

 

Meanwhile Wigan police were urging people to watch out for their valuables, after a new scam hit the town. Men of Middle Eastern appearance have been targeting pubs, nail bars, and estate agents, where people put their mobile phones on a table. Offenders are approaching the victims with leaflets which they use to cover the phone, before distracting them with conversation and leaving with both the leaflets and the phone. Around nine incidents were reported to the police.

 

DC Andy Partington from Wigan CID said: “We are asking people to be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on their valuables when they are socialising in the area. I understand that most people like to keep their phone out when they are sat with friends, but I would encourage you to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour and make sure you report it to us.

 

“These thieves are particularly targeting iPhones and I would encourage all smartphone owners to install a GPS enabled app so that if it gets stolen we can track it.”

 

The technology, that is free on iPhones and iPads and also available in free versions for the Blackberry and other smartphones and tablets means that owners can follow the movements of their devices should they misplace, lose or have them stolen.

 

Once loaded the technology allows owners to log their passwords into any other web-enabled computer, tablet or smartphone, and work with officers to hunt down the stolen device. Police are not able to use this technology without the owner’s consent and passwords.

 

The tracking applications can also be used by the owner to remotely lockdown and even delete sensitive or personal data from the device it to prevent thieves using it for other criminal activity.

 

For more information about keeping your phone safe visit: http://www.gmp.police.uk/mainsite/pages/wheresyours.htm 

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