Empty depot acts as magnet for thieves

A derelict Black Country storage depot closed to make way for development is being ransacked by metal thieves daily, people living nearby claim.

Neighbours in Peppercorn Place, West Bromwich, say lives are being made a misery.

They say tatters "crash and smash" their way through the building, plundering it of metal. Up to nine people at a time are raiding the property, an old Sandwell Council depot which backs on to Peppercorn Place. Witnesses say the thieves drive their vans up the quiet residential road.

They then claim they break through fencing and pulling out everything they can, including kitchen sinks, fittings and wiring.

John Wootton, who lives opposite the building which is to be demolished to make way for the All Saints development, said: "They are in there every day, I can hear them crashing and smashing their way around.

"I saw some literally dragging the kitchen sink out yesterday, it is just so brazen. I've phoned the police and they aren't interested. The tatters know they aren't so they just don't care who sees them."

The building closed around last September but the surrounding wire fence has been cut through and a number of the doors and windows are swinging open.

Mr Wootton, aged 57, added: "I think it was a case of the last person out shut the door but they didn't do anything other than that to secure it."

Councillor Bob Badham, Sandwell Council cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "I am concerned to hear about this situation and will ask officers to investigate it as a matter of urgency. I will ask them to look into the possibility of early demolition."

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Catherine Preece, said: "The local neighbourhood team has received a couple of reports of anti social behaviour and intruders in the void premises at Peppercorn Place over recent weeks.

"As a result, patrols have been increased accordingly in the area to provide reassurance to local residents and deter criminality."