Metal thieves target homes
Metal thieves have targeted homes in the Black Country ripping lead from windows, as they try and cash in on the rising price of scrap.
Metal thieves have targeted homes in the Black Country ripping lead from windows, as they try and cash in on the rising price of scrap.
Police today warned they would be taking "robust" action to crackdown on the raiders, after a spate of thefts was reported.The latest 11 thefts all happened in the area of Netherton, including three in Cinder Bank and two in Simms Lane.The criminals are thought to have used tools to prise the lead off first and second floor windows.
One scrap metal dealer, HO Thompson & Sons in Dudley, today said a ton of lead could fetch several hundred pounds on the black market.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Richard Jones from Brierley Hill CID said: "The price of metal has gone up again so there are some opportunists seizing upon that.
"It seems the offenders have used some sort of instrument to remove lead flashing from the front of bay windows both upstairs and downstairs. We will be taking robust action to deter thieves."
Officers will be using tactics deployed in Operation Steel, a forcewide initiative to cut the number of metal thefts.
There will be extra patrols around registered scrap metal dealers to alert them that would-be thieves are operating.
Police officers will also be contacting neighbourhood watch co-ordinators to make them aware of the recent spate.
Mr Jones added: "We will be encouraging scrap metal dealers to keep a look out for anyone acting suspiciously.
"It is also important householders remain vigilant and if they have strangers knocking their door trying to engage them in conversation while inspecting the property they should call police.
"We work closely with the Department of Work Pensions and we will also be stopping vehicles carrying what appears to be scrap metal and checking whether the owner is legally claiming benefits, if not they will be arrested and reported to the department."
The thefts were all reported sometime between Friday and Saturday and anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
