POLICE in Warrington say scrap dealers have welcomed a “proof of identity” campaign to deter metal thieves.
Operation Tornado commits dealers to demand clear identification from anyone who offers to sell them piping, cable or other metal items.
The ID has to be a photo card driving licence, a passport or a National Identity Card, all backed up by a recent utility bill. Both items must include a current address.
Chief Inspector Darren Hebden, said: “In one week, five of the largest scrap businesses in the area signed up and three more have indicated they will join in.
“Criminals who specialise in metal theft want to dispose of the material they have taken as quickly as possible and anonymously. Having to produce some real identification is a major deterrent. Most scrap dealers run legitimate businesses and will welcome the safeguards this provides.”
As Operation Tornado was launched police and enforcement officers from neighbouring Halton carried out stop checks on vehicles carrying metal. Two drivers who were not registered to carry controlled waste were issued with fixed penalty fines. Three other vehicles were seized because the drivers had no insurance.
Metal thefts have increased across Britain because of a dramatic rise in the price of metals. As well as thefts of cable and piping, roofs of churches and other historic buildings, war memorials and even a plaque commemorating the two children who died in the Warrington bombing have been stolen.
Alongside Operation Tornado, Cheshire Police have launched a “Heritage Watch” project, enabling groups of volunteers to keep an eye on local heritage sites and share information about possible criminal activity.
Chief inspector Hebden said: “In those cases the damage metal theft might have on an historic building, or its impact on a local community, is out of all proportion to the cash return for the thieves. When cable or piping is stolen it can deprive local businesses of vital facilities and sometimes put people in danger.
“The thieves do not care. They are just interested in a quick cash profit.
“We put a lot of effort into catching them and have had a number of prosecutions, but preventing the thefts is always a better route.
“Deterrents such as Operation Tornado can significantly reduce the number of thefts.”
POLICE in Warrington say scrap dealers have welcomed a "proof of identity" campaign to deter metal thieves.
Clamp down on metal thieves rolls on
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
