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Heavy metal is proving popular... with thieves
HEAVY metal is becoming increasingly popular in West Yorkshire.
But this is not the sort pumped out by the likes of Metallica and Iron Maiden.
West Yorkshire Police have revealed that the theft of lead is steadily rising, and they're asking for the public's help to stem the rise across the region.
In Kirklees, local Crime Reduction Officer, PC Roger Day has released a video on You Tube offering advice on how to avoid becoming a victim. In the video, he asks neighbours to work together to beat those involved.
PC Day believes there are simple measures which can be taken: "Inform your neighbours to keep an eye on your property. If you see someone who you believe shouldn't be there, report them to the police.
"Mark your property with stencils and road paint, indent metal with postcodes or use UV identifiers to deter thieves. You can also mark the metal in anti scaling paint, in particular lead, as this interferes with the smelting process and makes the lead undesirable to dealers".
He added that motion censors on roofs and CCTV can also be a good deterrent.
The officer added: "Working together on initiatives such as this will put pressure on those who are taking the metal in the first place and also on unscrupulous scrap metal dealers.
"We do, however, also need the help of the public. The public need to be the eyes and ears of the police. If you see something suspicious, please report it via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Last November one fed-up clergyman even took to sleeping in his own church at St Mary's, Middleton, Leeds, following a series of rooftop raids in which 66,000 of lead and slate were taken.
The Rev Robin Paterson was forced to act after even the installation of 'smart water' which marks the thieves with a spray did not seem to deter them.
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Weather for Leeds
Friday 25 May 2012
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