Headlines

A nationwide police operation has been put in place to target the epidemic of metal theft crimes that is sweeping the country. In response farmers are being warned to be extra vigilant when securing their premises to discourage intruders looking for high value "scrap" metal. High energy prices and the growing demand for metal in developing countries such as India and China (which has forced steel prices to unprecedented levels) is thought to be the catalyst behind this outbreak of crimes, said to be costing the economy £360 million every year.

Thieves across the county are targeting public buildings, homes and businesses looking for valuable 'scrap' metal such as lead and copper from roofs and steel from domestic and commercial gates and fences. Jacksons Fencing, one of the UK's leading manufacturers and installers of steel security fencing and gates, claims farm premises represent a natural target for this spate of crime.

Richard Jackson, CEO of Jacksons Fencing says "Since farms use metal in many applications (eg heavy duty metal gates, temporary metal fencing, livestock pens, farm vehicles, machinery and equipment and galvanized water troughs they will almost certainly attract the attention of the unscrupulous individuals involved in this growing crime. Equally farmers using pre-cursor chemicals in the production of fertilizers need to be doubly vigilant to threats from terrorists. We are advising all farmers to be extra security conscious and to immediately report any suspicious behaviour or sightings to their local police force".

In fact it has even been reported that some thieves are posing as professional contractors or installers to remove metal from sites in a bid to cash in on the high demand. Richard Jackson continues "Anyone receiving an unscheduled visit to their farm premises from a contractor purporting to represent Jacksons should first check their credentials or call our Contracts Department on 01233 750393 for verification."

Jacksons' offers a portfolio of perimeter security products that includes dedicated perimeter intrusion defence solutions. In addition, Jacksons' fencing and gates are some of the most secure on the market, constructed with strong concealed fixings to prevent fence and gate panels being popped out and removed. "Given the lengths some thieves are willing to go to in order to obtain steel, having a solid and secure product that can't be tampered with is only part of the solution. The farming community must also re-evaluate the quality of its current frontline perimeter defences and, until the price of metal drops dramatically must recognise that any metal installations are a highly valuable asset and must therefore question the validity of anyone wishing to gain access to it."

Police Superintendent Peter Wedlake, Kent Police Force backs up the call for vigilance "Criminals target copper cable, piping or plumbing materials and lead from the roofs of houses, churches and commercial buildings. We are advising that premises with valuable metals undergo a security review and that any necessary adjustments are made. People should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police".

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