Time called on NW metal thieves

A BTP officer examines damaged cable

Metal thieves in the north west are being told – ‘your time is up’.

The message comes as police forces across the region have improved collaboration and methods of sharing information and intelligence.

Inspector Dave Rams, who acts as a co-ordinator for all north west forces, said: "All police forces, including British Transport Police, are now working together very closely to look at problematic areas and those thieves who cause communities most harm.

"In the past we have done this on a force-by-force basis which has worked for individual areas, but has, in some cases, seen criminals travelling between forces with little intelligence passing in the same manner.

"This new approach will ensure all forces are aware of active metal thieves across the region and will work together to take action against thieves and deter those who might be thinking about turning to metal theft."

The collaboration between police has been aided by the arrival of Operation Tornado throughout the region.

Launched in May this year, Operation Tornado ensures that people selling scrap metal to participating dealers in the region will be required to provide proof of their identity – either a photo card driving licence including an address, or a passport or national ID card supported by a utility bill, which must be under three months old and show their address.

Insp Rams added: "Operation Tornado is one of a number of measures being explored to restrict the sale and movement of stolen metal. It has been designed not to inhibit those dealers that operate legitimate businesses, but to remove unscrupulous dealers who operate outside the law.

"Together with tightened legislation, due to come into effect later this year, and improved collaboration, we believe Operation Tornado will spell the beginning of the end for metal thieves across the north west.

"Of course, we still require assistance from the public to provide information about potential thieves in their area.

"Metal thieves have caused misery for communities across the region and the railway has experienced significant issues for some time, but throughout 2011 criminals have been diversifying and targeting metal from other areas, including power cables, utilities pipe work, telecommunications cabling, residential properties, businesses and catalytic converters from vehicles.

"If you have information any form of metal theft please call your local police force or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."