Rise in metal thefts sparks safety fears

MORE than 30 pieces of firefighting equipment were stolen from a high-rise block in Lanarkshire in what authorities claim is another incident of metal theft.

Fire chiefs have said 16 dry riser outlets were stolen from a multi-storey block in Cumbernauld just before Christmas. Although replaced within 48 hours they were again stolen two weeks later, putting the lives of residents and firefighters in danger and the building at risk of serious damage. The incident has been made public ahead of a summit on the growing crime of metal theft hosted by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The event will highlight the impact metal theft has on the economy, businesses and public safety and will include leading figures from the emergency services and communities minister Paul Wheelhouse. The summit comes as the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill makes its way through the Scottish Parliament. It includes measures to improve the regulation of scrap metal de a ler s and end cash payments for scrap metal.

Ahead of Wednesday’s event heritage bodies have also raised concerns over the targeting of different types of metal on old buildings, particularly lead and copper.

The most common target is lead f rom r oof s , with churches the main focus of thefts, although statues, lead downpipes and even war memorials have also been stolen.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Metal theft not only leaves businesses and communities out-of-pocket, but it puts life at extreme risk.”