Lower Hutt Police continuing crack down on scrap metal thieves

Lower Hutt Police are growing increasingly concerned about the lengths scrap metal thieves are prepared to go to, following two incidents overnight.

Shortly after midnight, Police were alerted to a person on the roof of Liqourland at the Waterloo Shops in Lower Hutt. One male was seen on the roof while a second person was seen carrying a ladder. A police dog tracked the offenders to a block of flats in Collingwood Street, where about 20 metres of copper spouting and the ladder was recovered, however the offenders were not located.

Acting Lower Hutt Area Commander Inspector Shane Cotter says in a further incident at about 5am this morning, two offenders were disturbed by a resident in St Columbans Way, Boulcott, trying to steal copper down pipes and spouting at the address. A Police dog tracked the offenders for a short distance but did not locate them.

"We are continuing to crack down on the theft of scrap metal by partnering with a number of agencies, including the Scrap Metal Recycling Association, Hutt City Council, Upper Hutt City Council, Kiwi Rail, Housing New Zealand Corporation and Transpower.

Shane Cotter says, "Working together with these partners will give us an even better idea of the scale of the problem and ensure that potential offenders are being identified and dealt with accordingly, whilst reminding scrap metal dealers of their obligations under the law."

The community also has a role to play in cracking down on scrap metal thieves, by contacting Police when they witness suspicious activity, especially when scrap metal thieves are still present.

"If members of the public wish to report suspicious activity, they can do so by either contacting 111 when the offenders are still present, or by contacting their local Police Station or phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

And Inspector Cotter also has a message for scrap metal thieves - "It's suddenly become even more difficult to on-sell stolen scrap metal. If you choose to continue this anti-social behaviour and in some cases, putting innocent lives at risk, you can expect a visit from Police, sooner rather than later."

ENDS

© Scoop Media