Metal thieves struck almost 150 times in Nottinghamshire last year

The Local Government Association said a rise in metal theft – caused in part by an increase in metal prices – is ‘extremely damaging and costly’ for businesses and people affected.

Office for National Statistics data shows Nottinghamshire Police recorded 142 metal theft offences in 2020-21 – though this was down from 208 the year before.

Of the thefts last year, 26 were infrastructure-related, which includes the stripping of metal such as roofing lead from buildings, taking electricity or railway cables, or stealing vehicle parts.

The remaining 116 were non-infrastructure related, which could involve stealing scrap metal, or war memorial plaques.

Across England and Wales, 19,000 metal theft offences were recorded last year – up from 17,400 the year before and the highest number since 2014-15.

Of these, 57 per cent were related to infrastructure – the highest proportion on record.

The LGA said the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 – brought in to crack down on the trade in stolen metal – was initially successful, but rates have now risen.

Nesil Caliskan, LGA safer and stronger communities board chairman, said: “Metal theft can affect a range of people and businesses and is extremely damaging and costly.

“Councils target their resources as efficiently as possible and do what they can to support businesses to meet the requirements of the legislation – and can take enforcement action where issues are identified.”

Update

She said the LGA is calling on the Government to update the Scrap Metal Dealers Act and introduce an offence of advertising for and receiving cash for scrap metal to act as a deterrent.