Metal theft in the West Midlands

25 July 2012

This information is from Insp Pat Devereux. Please do forward it on to your members so that they can inform their own local groups.

A serious incident occurred in Blackatree Road yesterday, which is potentially a very dangerous new element to metal theft.

Thieves accessed an outside meter box and stripped the gas pipe from the box into the house. Residents reported the smell of gas and a drop in pressure. Fortunately a gas engineer came out promptly and made the property safe, but the outcome could have been very serious. The police were notified yesterday morning but are unsure exactly to when this crime may have taken place.

The police are asking for the public to be vigilant to anyone seen hanging around meter boxes whether in uniform or not. This is very serious and potentially extremely dangerous so any sightings of suspicious activity around domestic gas meters would be gratefully received on 101.

Insp Pat Devereux & Julie Dale