Fight against metal theft in Rochdale

The British Transport Police are bringing the fight against cable thieves to Rochdale today (Wednesday 23 March 2011).

BTP, together with several other agencies, are carrying out a day of action to tackle the growing problem of metal theft.

The primary target is scrap metal dealers in the Rochdale and Oldham area as officers aim to reduce opportunities for thieves to sell on the stolen goods.

Detective Inspector Andrea Rainey, leading the operation for BTP, said: “In the vast majority of cases scrap metal dealers unwittingly take in stolen metal as they are not aware of the criminal methods used to source the metal.

“But there is a minority who seem content to take in metal, regardless of its past history, and ask few questions of those bringing it in.

“The aim of the operation is to educate those dealers who operate within the boundaries of the law and to take action against those who flout the law and trade in stolen goods.”

The operation will see BTP working with Network Rail, BT, the Environment Agency and other organisations as a co-ordinated attempt to address the issue.

DI Rainey added: “Metal theft is not just an issue for the railway, it impacts on many other industries and communities as the criminals simply do not care who their behaviour affects.

“The theft of railway cable can – and does – result in lengthy delays and cancellations to rail service, whilst theft of other items such as residential earthing cable or communications cable can have a serious impact on people’s homes and businesses.

“We are determined to take a stand against cable theft and this day of action is just one way in which we can show thieves and unscrupulous dealers that their criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.”