Crime reduction officer warns of lead thefts
Police are investigating a rising number of lead and scrap metal thefts across the Sheffield west areas and are appealing for businesses and members of the public to be vigilant.
Reports of these types of thefts, from both residential and commercial properties, have increased across Burngreave, Shiregreen, Wincobank and surrounding areas.
Sheffield's Police Crime Reduction Officer Dene Tinker said:
“Due to the global increase in value of metals such as lead and copper, they have become attractive to thieves who then weigh it in for cash at scrap metal dealers.”
Police are concerned that a theft will eventually result in an accident or possible fatal injury as thieves, some as young as twelve, scale the heights of church roofs and industrial units to steal the lead flashing. Dene said:
“We are asking the public to write down the vehicle colour, model and registration number, location and time of where the offence is taking place and, if possible, a description of the thieves and it is crucial that any information of this nature is passed to police immediately.”
Police officers will be carrying out frequent visits to scrap yards to find out who is selling and receiving stolen metal.
If you know anyone committing this type of crime report it to South Yorkshire Police on: 01142 20 20 20
Or Crimestoppers free and confidentially on: 0800 555 111