HELP US SCRAP METAL THIEVES

CAN YOU BE the eyes and ears of your neighbourhood? With recent incidents of metal theft across the county, police are asking for the local communities' help to stop any would-be thieves in their tracks by reporting suspicious behaviour.

A special team from the Constabulary is already working with locally-based officers on investigating the series of metal thefts.

Police forces across the country have seen incidents of metal theft ranging from lead being stolen from roofs, cabling stolen from electricity boxes serving residential premises and catalytic converters taken from vehicles.

"The theft of metal - whether it's the catalytic converter from someone¡¦s car or the power cabling supplying electricity to a block of flats - can cause great inconvenience and frustration," commented Director of Intelligence Detective Superintendent Paul Ealham.

"We will be working to tackle the issue and bring to justice those involved, but you can also help us by reporting suspicious behaviour. You know your local area and you are best placed to notice anything out of the ordinary, so if you see anything that raises your suspicions, even a small detail, please contact us immediately. Information that can be of considerable help to us is the registration number of vehicles."

If anyone sees any suspicious behaviour - anyone who appears to be tampering with a vehicle, particularly a van or a 4x4, or hanging around the electrical mains supply of a block of flats or near commercial property, please get in touch immediately:

„X Call Hertfordshire Constabulary¡¦s non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222 with your information.
„X If you think you are witnessing a crime in progress, call 999.
„X If you know someone who you think may be involved in committing crime, please contact police on 0845 33 00 222 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you have a catalytic converter and drive a van or 4x4, which can be more vulnerable to these types of thefts, you can help to keep your vehicle secure by:

- If you have a garage at home, make sure you use it and lock it properly. Look out for car parks with a Secured Car Park sign which have recognised levels of security.
- Remembering to set your alarm if you have one.
- If you keep your car on the drive, you could consider having a 'dusk-til-dawn' security light fitted at the front of your house - criminals don't like to be illuminated.
- Put your aerial down to stop it being vandalised.

MAY 2010