Scrap metal thefts slashed in police raids
Nov 14 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal
DOZENS of suspected scrap metal thieves have been arrested in a major police operation across Darlington and south Durham.
‘Operation Hansel’ was drawn up to combat a wave of thefts of lead and other metals, which were proving attractive to thieves as scrap prices soared.
In the three months from mid-August to mid-October, the Hansel team were responsible for 40 arrests for theft, handling stolen goods, money laundering and other offences.
They also recovered 30 tonnes of railway line in a joint operation with British Transport Police; three stolen vehicles; two tonnes of steel (leading to three people being charged); £4,000 worth of scaffolding (two people charged) and over £3,000 cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Scrap metal thefts fell by 60% in October compared to August / September.
Although the initial phase of Hansel has concluded, police promise the concerted drive targeting the scrap metal thieves will continue.
Acting Inspector Lee Morris said: “Until this year, offences of scrap metal theft tended to be fairly isolated and were not considered a major problem. But when the number of thefts started to rise we knew concerted action was needed.
“The thieves were targeting churches, pumping stations, railway tracks and industrial units to steal whatever they could find. But we now have a great deal more information on who these people are and how they operate, which will prove very useful in our future planning.”
Last month, Lee Anthony Everist, 22, of Fern Crescent, Seaham, was sentenced to five months in jail after admitting being part of a gang that stripped a newly re-roofed church of £20,000 worth of lead.
It had taken the congregation of St John’s Church, Seaham, 10 years to raise more than £100,000 for the roof repairs – and Everist and his pals just 48 hours to wreck their fundraising efforts.
Chris Pitt, a spokesman for ecclesiastical insurance, said: “The theft of metal from churches has become an epidemic. We’re acting now to try to prevent this happening. We’ve sent every church we insure a Smart Water kit. SmartWater is a clear, DNA-like liquid. Each solution is unique and we’re encouraging every church to paint it on their roofs. Thieves can be caught red-handed.”
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