Copper thieves used protected tree to climb into factory yard several times - now it's being chopped down
A major manufacturing firm in Bilston has been given the go-ahead to chop down a protected tree, after repeated incidents of thieves climbing it to gain access to the premises and steal valuable goods.
Mueller Europe Ltd, which makes copper tubing for plumbing, heating and refrigeration appliances, was targeted five times in two weeks alone – with raiders using the tree to get over the factory wall and into the yard where copper is stored.
Due to the frequency of thefts from the Oxford Street firm, council bosses this week granted permission for the large London Plane Tree to be felled.
Bilston East councillor Stephen Simkins, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy, said: “It is important we support our local businesses so they can grow and generate jobs for local people.
“To prevent further harm to the business, unfortunately – due to the absence of any viable alternatives – it means the loss of a tree to prevent persistent unlawful access to the premises.
“However, to mitigate its loss – and in support of our climate change agenda – two replacement trees must be planted within the existing landscaped area along the frontage of the parking on Oxford Street.”
Richard Birch, who made the application to fell the tree on behalf of the company, said: “Currently we have three trees which have preservation orders. The tree in question is closest to our wall which separates and encloses the working yard area.
“This tree is being used to aid burglars in scaling the wall, cutting the barbed wire and gaining access to our site. They are stealing copper from the yard area and then using the tree to get back out. With the tree growing, it is also blocking the view of our CCTV in this area.
“We have had numerous repeated break-ins and thefts from our company – given the price of copper – and in two weeks alone we had five break-ins resulting in thefts. We have informed the police who have also been on site in a bid to try and catch the offenders in the act. However, they were unable to do this.”
Founded in 1921, Mueller Europe Ltd is one of the biggest employers in the Bilston area. Spanning 13.4 acres, the factory is located between Oxford Street, Hare Street and Vulcan Road and is covered by 42 CCTV cameras.
The London Plane is very tolerant of atmospheric pollution and became a popular urban roadside tree in Victorian times, when it was planted extensively to help combat weather pollution. It was declared one of the 50 great British trees by the Tree Council in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.
