Public urged to be vigilant over "alarming" rise in metal theft

Welsh police forces are calling for public to be alert and report signs of metal theft.

The forces have launched a campaign to draw people's attention to the "distress" and "inconvenience" caused by thieves stealing copper cabling and lead from sites across the country.

In one example, a gang used chainsaws to cut down a electricity pylon in Blaenau in order to steal its cabling.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Jukes, said: “Metal theft is about more than metal. Even the smallest amount of stolen cables or wiring can cause a great deal of inconvenience and distress to local people."

"These types of crimes are committed mostly in full view of the public, however, most of us presume that if we see people in work-type clothing or yellow jackets working on power cables or on roofs, then they must have someone's permission."