Over 300 metal thefts recorded in Hampshire
HAMPSHIRE Constabulary says it takes reports of metal thefts seriously after thieves stripped lead from roofs and stole electric cables in a spate of thefts across Hampshire last year.
Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals the force recorded 315 metal theft offences from April 2020 to March 2021 – though this was down from 383 the year before.
Of the thefts last year, 70 were infrastructure-related, while the remaining 245 were non-infrastructure related, which could involve stealing scrap metal or war memorial plaques.
In light of the data, Hampshire Constabulary said: "We take reports of thefts of metal seriously and will explore all available lines of enquiry to tackle those committing these offences and bring them to justice.
"Since 2019, we have seen these crimes reduce by a third."
The force has issued advice to deter those from stealing metal, and this includes: ensuring access to roofs is restricted, maximising surveillance by neighbouring properties, install vandal-resistant ‘dawn to dusk’ sensored security lighting and consider installing CCTV, ensure that metal gates are secured at the hinges to prevent them from being lifted off, and consider using alternatives to lead and copper where possible.
The Local Government Association (LGA) said a rise in metal theft across England and Wales – caused in part by an increase in metal prices – is "extremely damaging and costly" for businesses and people affected.
Across England and Wales, 19,000 metal theft offences were recorded last year, an increase on 17,400 the year before, and the highest number since 2014 to 2015.
Of these, 57 per cent were related to infrastructure,the highest proportion on record.
Nesil Caliskan, chair of the LGA's safer and stronger communities board, said: "Metal theft can affect a range of people and businesses and is extremely damaging and costly.
"Councils target their resources as efficiently as possible and do what they can to support businesses to meet the requirements of the legislation – and can take enforcement action where issues are identified."