Northern Irish police concern over metal theft

Published on 28 Jan 2008

Concern over the rise in metal theft has reached Northern Ireland, reports the Fermanagh Herald.

Constable Hazel Gray, the police crime prevention officer in Fermanagh, explained:

"Over recent months, properties in the Cornagrade area of Enniskillen have suffered a concerted campaign of theft of lead from porches and roofs, and this has resulted in many properties having to have lead replaced and has caused distress to tenants, business people and home owners alike. Many properties have been targeted repeatedly, which makes it an even more stressful experience.
"With the price of lead at an all-time high, criminals have targeted properties and stolen lead, which has then been sold on to dealers. Much of the stolen scrap metal is exported to China, where it is eagerly sought."

Metal theft has risen sharply across Europe as the developing economies of China and India push the price of metal higher.