Hertfordshire Police launched Operation Devon in 2010 in response to rising thefts of metal, such as roofing lead, high voltage power cables, catalytic converters and metal artwork, due to the soaring price of metal. In January 2012 a dedicated task force of six officers was formed to target metal thieves, particularly cross border criminals coming into the county.
Metal theft has fallen by over 30 per cent across the county during the first six months of 2012, compared to the same period last year. The first six months of 2011 saw 773 incidents, including thefts of overhead power lines and telephone exchange cabling which caused disruption to rail and communications services. In comparison incidents investigated up to the end of June this year were down to 533.
The force has been working with other police forces, local companies and scrap dealers to gather intelligence on metal thieves, reduce opportunities for them to steal and make it harder for them to sell on stolen metal. In June 2012 Operation Tornado was launched to further tackle metal theft by recruiting scrap metal dealers to participate in an identification scheme. Over 80 per cent of the county’s scrap dealers now require customers to provide proof of identity in the form of a photo driving licence, passport or national identity card. This scheme enables police to trace those selling stolen metal.
Leading Operation Devon, DCI Liz Hanlon said: “Widespread and persistent metal thefts cause serious problems for people and businesses across the country, causing power cuts, damage to public buildings and disruptions to rail and telecommunications services.
“We are delighted that the number of metal theft offences appears to be on the decline and I think that the officers working on the Operation Devon task force and safer neighbourhood teams deserve credit for their hard work and professionalism.
“There have been fewer serious disruptions caused by the theft of cables or damage to public buildings this year, which costs local businesses and tax payers so much and even puts people’s lives at risk. There are still people attempting to remove high voltage cabling from electricity sub stations, which is extremely dangerous and likely to result in serious injury. We must remain vigilant and continue this work to ensure that this type of crime does not creep back up. We would ask the public to keep reporting anything suspicious.”
The public can report any suspicious behaviour via the non-emergency number 101, as well as locking sheds securely and lock away any tools and bikes after use. Registering any valuables free on the online database www.immobilise.com can help to deter thieves and could help any recovered items be returned to you if lost or stolen.
