People urged to be vigilant to metal theft in Suffolk as copper prices rise
Suffolk Police say there has not been an increase in thefts recently but are advising caution
Farmers, churches and businesses are being urged to remain vigilant to metal theft in Suffolk.
Suffolk Police is advising people to take necessary precautions to prevent incidents across the county.
It follows the increase in copper prices which the force say is driven by the surging demand and a global copper deficit, as well as the recovery of the economy post-Covid.
According to Suffolk Police, there hasn't been an increase in metal thefts in recent weeks, but the advice comes in order to prevent thieves potentially exploiting the situation.
Sergeant Brian Calver, from the Suffolk Wildlife and Rural Crime Team, said:
"I’d suggest people conduct a review of their security of their assets and I’d advise that both new and scrap cable is stored out of site, and that cable is forensically marked so that it can be traced. In addition, where possible it is advised that valuable assets are covered by CCTV and adequate lighting.
"These offences often amount to tens of thousands of pounds of damage and loss but there’s the hidden cost to the economy by way of the temporary loss of infrastructure and the inconvenience that comes with it."
Suffolk Police has issued the following guidance:
- Make your premises secure using gates, fencing and locks
- Don't leave scrap materials lying around
- Install sensored security lighting and consider CCTV
- Use anti-climb paint on guttering, drain pipes and other climbing aids
- Consider using a forensic property marking solution
More information on crime prevention can be found on the Suffolk Police website.