Metal thieves endanger their own lives and others

Thieves risked their own lives as well as a woman's just to steal gas piping.

It happened on Makin Court in Heywood at about 3.00pm on Sunday (27 November).

It is believed that two thieves climbed over wooden fencing into the grounds of the court, before tampering with the gas meter. Using some sort of implement, they cut about two foot of the pipe off while the gas was still on, leaving gas escaping from the exposed pipe.

Transco attended and made the area safe, but it left a 59-year-old woman's whose house was supplied by that pipe without heating.

It is thought the piping would not fetch more than a few pounds but could have put the lives of both thieves - and the woman - in danger.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Chief Inspector Mark Bell said: "There can be a perception that metal theft is a victimless crime. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"As the offenders were cutting this pipe - with the gas still on - it could easily have caused a spark and an explosion that would have put not just their own lives, but also an innocent unsuspecting woman's life in jeopardy.

"It was an extremely silly and reckless thing to do and for what? A few quid. Is that really worth it if your actions could kill somebody, even yourself?

"I first want to appeal to anyone who has information to come forward. Did you see two men wearing hooded tops cutting this pipe or perhaps carrying it around? Do you work at a scrapyard and have you been offered a two foot piece of piping? If you have or you have some suspicions, please call us.

"Greater Manchester Police has launched Operation Alloy to target those who are suspected of being involved in the theft of metal across the county and we have brought together a range of agencies to help combat this growing trend."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.