Metal thefts

For advice on helping to prevent metal theft, use our A-Z of crime prevention here.

Metal theft is one of the fastest rising crimes in the UK. Thieves target:

Homes, churches, business premises and public buildings are all potential targets.

The following crime prevention tips are recommended to help protect your business from metal theft:

Make your premises secure using gates, fencing and locks and don't leave any scrap materials lying around to tempt thieves.
Install vandal-resistant ‘dawn to dusk’ sensored security lighting and consider installing CCTV.
Guttering, drainpipes and other climbing aids can be coated in anti-climb paint, which marks clothes and skin, often helping police to identify offenders. It should only be applied above 2.4 m from the ground and must be clearly signposted to comply with the Occupiers Liability Act 1984.
Consider using alternative materials to lead when making repairs. Coating lead in silver paint devalues the metal and makes it less likely to be stolen.
Where it is safe to do so, encourage your staff to challenge anyone they don't recognise on the premises.
Consider using a forensic property marking solution, such as SmartWater or SelectaDNA to security mark your property.