Metal thieves strike 900 times in three months

Metal thieves have struck in the Black Country more than 900 times in just three months, as police revealed criminals were now targeting 4x4 cars for their catalytic convertors.

Copper boilers are also being ripped from houses being renovated before being sold on to unscrupulous scrap dealers.

Figures released today show Sandwell was the worst hit of the four Black Country boroughs, recording 321 metal thefts.

There were 211 in Walsall and 218 in Wolverhampton, with lead stolen from churches and manhole covers taken from streets to cash in on rising scrap prices.

The figures cover the beginning of August to the end of October, but in Dudley, only figures for the first six weeks are available, when there were 156 metal thefts.

Officers said Sedgley, Gornal, Coseley and Woodsetton had been among the worst hit areas in the region, with 23 catalytic converters taken since September 1.

Sgt Shirley Worrall, of Dudley police, said cars parked outside homes overnight were being targeted.

"The main targets have been 4x4 vehicles, such as the Land Rover Freelander or Mitsubishis, as they are higher from the floor and so more accessible for thieves to quickly get underneath," she said.

"These items are being weighed in illegally for scrap value along with the many other forms of metal being stolen from residents living in this area."

She urged drivers to use garages overnight whenever possible, or park close to doors, gates or walls when on driveways to make valuable metal parts difficult for thieves to reach.

Sgt Worrall added: "We are determined to turn the tide on these thieves and bring them to justice.

"Whilst it may appear to be a faceless crime, it causes massive inconvenience to those who are unlucky enough to be targeted."