Despite the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 and a multi-agency task force to address the problem, metal theft continues to be a prevalent crime against industries such as ours. In recent weeks four separate offences have occurred across two of our Quarry sites, whereby thieves have targeted copper cabling.The thefts have cost the company significant sums of money in replacement values alone, not to mention the impact on operations caused by the delays associated with safe repair.

By the very nature of our business, some of our sites are difficult to protect so it is incumbent on us all to remain ever vigilant and report any suspicious activity either to the local police and/or to company security.

There can be little doubt the offences mentioned have taken considerable time to scope and plan ahead of the act, and equally significant time on site to carry out. In a single offence thieves were able to remove 1,300 metres of CPC; scaling high rise structures to remove cabling the length of the clay conveyor. In another, offenders took the time to set a fire to assist with stripping the wire of the protective cabling before removing the core from the site. We should not underestimate the lengths these offenders are prepared to go to in carrying out these thefts.

Notwithstanding the vulnerabilities of our sites, there are a variety of measures site managers and staff should consider to prevent these offences:

• Be vigilant at all times. Challenge unusual behaviour and report the same to police and/or security.
• Where possible and safe to do so, consider burying the cable and adding additional measures such as sleepers to prevent the cables removal.
• Where fitted, ensure CCTV is in good working order and (if applicable) connected to the Security Office at Thorpe.
• Ensure staff are conversant with the CCTV recording process. In the event of an offence, recordings of an evidential value will be required by the police. (This is particularly important to sites not monitored at Thorpe – be sure you know how your DVR works).
• Sites with permanent/on site or visiting security staff should ensure those staff are briefed regarding these offences.
• Security related signage (CCTV, patrols etc) should be clearly displayed and up to date.
• Community Engagement – we should remain effective neighbours with nearby businesses and residences. Ensure they are aware of these offences; ask them too to remain vigilant and we will offer the same courtesy in return.

The security directorate are exploring additional measures which we may be able to effectively implement across suitable sites. In the meantime, we can all contribute through awareness and vigilance. Finally, and most importantly, this type of offence has the capability to render our plant and machinery live and unusually dangerous, please ensure electrical works are safe before you approach at all times.