Witness plea as metal thefts rise
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THEFTS of copper, lead and other metal in the Far North have risen in the past year, according to local police.
Northern Constabulary said statistics show that incidents in the region are above the national average. Now police are asking for the assistance of the public to help track down the thieves.
The plea comes after there were two incidents in September. The first took place at the former Thrumster Railway Station which is currently under renovation.
The attempted theft took place on Saturday, September 17, when a quantity of lead was moved and a man was spotted running towards Lybster.
The second incident took place between Tuesday, September 27, and the next day at Thurso East Mains Farm.
It was reported that approximately 150 metres of armoured copper cable was stolen by thieves, who also took an 12v electric pump and hoses.
Sergeant Nick Clasper at Thurso Police Station said that the rising statistics are due to the increased price of metal during the tough economic times.
"There has been an increase in Caithness where copper and metal have been stolen from premises," he explained. "These cases have become increasingly common throughout the country since the recession hit in 2008.
"The value of lead and copper has gone up quite dramatically in the last three years.
"This has been the main reason for the rise in the number of cases, not just in the Highlands but across Scotland. Due to the rising prices, thieves are becoming more opportunistic."
He added: "It is not a case where there has been a spate of incidents in Caithness. But when compared in line with the national average there has been an increase."
Police said that the majority of cases have occurred in rural, isolated areas, with incidents in towns and urban areas not so prevalent.
Where the stolen metal is then sold on to is a fact which is currently eluding police.
Sergeant Clasper said that the metal is not being sold through official channels.
"The stolen metal can be sold on to a variety places," he said. "Exactly where, though, is one of the avenues we are very keen to explore. We very much doubt that these metals are being taken to scrap dealers who always ask for receipts when trading. But thieves are obviously quite keen to sell on the metal as they can get a big profit for it.
In an attempt to crack down on the number of thefts, Northern Constabulary has sent out extra patrols at night. This follows reports of suspicious vehicles driving past specific buildings on a regular basis and heavy goods vehicles being spotted at locations during the evening when thefts have taken place.
Sergeant Clasper has urged the public to help.
"Caithness is a big county and it is about getting as much information as possible," he said.
"If people see any suspicious vehicles about I would ask them to take down their registration numbers and report it to police."
Any person with information is asked to contact Wick Police Station on (01955) 603551 or Thurso Police Station on (01847) 893222.
Information can also be left anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
