Safety fears on copper thefts

Thieves are targeting substations across the Black Country in search of copper.

Police today asked members of the public to be on the lookout following a spate of burglaries in recent weeks.

Police spokeswoman Sarah Astbury said the two most recent cases were at Moor Lane in Rowley Regis and Stanhope Road in Smethwick. She said that in both incidents, the offenders broke into the substation and stole copper.

"The latest incidents have brought the total number of copper thefts to 18 in the last three weeks in the south Sandwell area," she added.

"There have also been five incidents in the north Sandwell and Dudley areas and it is thought thieves may be selling the copper on the scrap metal market."

The theft of copper piping has become more common in the last year due to a worldwide shortage which has sent the price soaring to more than £3,000 a ton.

Last year, thieves caused a massive explosion that ripped through a terraced house in West Bromwich when it is believed they were trying to get their hands on copper piping.

And streets and a primary school had to be sealed off in Tividale after thieves sawed through gas pipes. A number of homes were targeted as the occupants slept.

The Moor Lane incident took place between January 24 and February 10 and the Stanhope Road incident happened between February 5 and 19.

Police have asked for people living across the Black Country to be vigilant around substations. Officers are also asking any scrap metal dealers to check the authenticity of metal brought to their premises. Police will continue to visit scrap dealers in the area.

Det Ch Insp George Tracey, crime manager for south Sandwell, said he was very concerned by the thefts.

He said: "Clearly these people are putting themselves in very serious danger by messing inside electrical substations, but more importantly they could put innocent members of the public in danger as well.

"We believe they are selling this on to scrap metal merchants because of the high value of the copper.

"We would appeal to any unscrupulous scrap metal merchants not to buy this copper and to turn these people away and inform the police." Witnesses should call 0845 113 5000.

By Richard Wyatt