Scrap metal dealers are asked to help Cheshire Police in bid to stop thefts

Mar 18 2010 Chester Chronicle

DEALERS in scrap metal are being asked to help Cheshire Police to tackle thieves focusing on the valuable commodity following a spate of thefts.

In recent weeks thefts of cable, scrap metal and lead have been reported in Frodsham, with many of the places targeted disused buildings.

PC Matt Uren said: “It is important to get the message out that even if a building appears to be disused, it still belongs to someone and taking items from it is theft.

“To add to that, removing pipes and other metal fixtures could be extremely dangerous and make the building unsafe.”

Thieves have also targetted telephone cables and are thought to be selling them off as scrap.

“We will be working with local scrap dealers to identify people who are bringing in cables and pipes that may have been stolen to trace these thieves,” added PC Uren.

“I would also appeal for anyone with information on these thefts to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.