Metal thieves target firms

Businesses in Cannock have been put on alert after more than £60,000 worth of metal was stolen in a series of raids in the district.

At around 3.30am yesterday thieves forced their way into a business unit at Brindley Business Park, on Chaseside Drive, after damaging the roller shutter doors at an electrical wholesalers.

The offenders stole 2,000 metres of copper cabling which police say was worth around £36,000.

On the same night a nearby business was also targeted by thieves who broke down wooden fencing and stole a quantity of aluminium worth £1,000.

On Thursday morning at around 6.50am a lorry carrying £26,000 worth of ingot shaped zinc blocks was stolen.

The driver of the lorry was turning the vehicle around on Walsall Road in Norton Canes when he was approached by a man who claimed he had hit a sign.

As the driver got out of the lorry to check the damage the man, wearing a fluorescent jacket, jumped into the cab and drove away.

These latest incidents follow a spate of thefts from local firms and police believe companies are being targeted by criminals who will melt the metal down and sell it on as scrap which, officers say, can have a high value.

Patrols have been stepped up in the Cannock business areas and firms in the area are being warned by police to be on their guard for any offenders.

Inspector Matt Derrick, from Cannock police, said: ""We want to know about any suspicious characters and where possible descriptions of them."

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact Cannock CID on 08453 302010 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

By Shaun Lintern