Police probe metal theft

Apr 5 2009 by Roger Domeneghetti, Sunday Sun

METAL thieves have stolen decorative fencing worth £20,000 from alongside a main road in Hartlepool.

Police believe someone must have noticed the thieves dismantling numerous sections of the wrought iron railings before they made off.

They were taken from West View Road and Cleveland Road in the town and officers believe someone must have noticed the thieves tearing apart the fencing and making their escape.

Around 40 panels, each around 9ft long, were removed, although 25 were later recovered by police officers.

They believe the haul had been hidden in the area whilst awaiting collection.

The missing 15 panels are valued at around £20,000.

Officers said the theft is believed to have taken place sometime between Friday, March 27 and Wednesday, April 1, and the thieves must have had a large vehicle, possibly a flat-bed truck.

The fencing was put up several years ago as part of improvements funded via the North Hartlepool Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) programme.

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond said: “The sheer scale of this theft is staggering and someone must have seen it happening.

“This fencing will cost a lot of money to replace, and it means that scarce resources will have to be diverted from elsewhere.

“We are not prepared to tolerate this kind of behaviour, and I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward.”

Inspector Mick Brown, the Neighbourhood Policing inspector in the north of Hartlepool, said it was time to take a stand against the criminals.

He said: “I would urge the community to make a stand against the people who seem to think that it is alright to damage our town in this way.

“Our message to those people who commit thefts like this and those who profit from their actions is simple - stand by to be targeted.”

Anyone with information can call Inspector Brown on 01642- 302126 or to contact CrimeStoppers on 0800-555111.