WEST Yorkshire saw a significant rise in metal thefts last year, figures show.

The AA said metal theft – which includes the theft of valuable car parts – rises when household budgets are squeezed.

Office for National Statistics data shows West Yorkshire Police recorded 404 metal theft offences in 2021-22 – up significantly from 261 the year before.

Of the thefts last year, 66 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 338 were non-infrastructure related, which could involve stealing scrap metal or war memorial plaques.

It meant there were the equivalent of 1.7 metal thefts per 10,000 people in the area last year – up from 1.1 per 10,000 people the year before.

Across England and Wales, 30,100 metal theft offences were recorded last year – up from 19,000 a year earlier, and the highest number since 2013-14.

Almost two-thirds of these were related to infrastructure – the highest proportion since comparable records began in 2012-13.

 

Rates of metal theft fell from 2012-13 – around the time the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, brought in to crack down on the trade in stolen metal, was introduced.

However, the Local Government Association said rates have since risen due to several factors, including a significant increase in metal prices.

Nesil Caliskan, chair of the LGA’s safer and stronger communities board, said: “Metal theft is extremely damaging and costly and has the potential to affect a range of people and businesses.

"Councils can take enforcement action where issues are identified."

The LGA is calling for the Government to introduce an offence within the Scrap Metal Dealers Act for receiving cash for scrap metal.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “While reputable scrap merchants uphold and implement the rules when it comes to selling metal, more needs to be done to tackle the yards willing to turn a blind eye when a big delivery comes in."

Although West Yorkshire Police would not comment about the rise in scrap metal thefts, guidance on their website says: "It is an offence for a scrap metal dealer to purchase scrap metal for cash. The dealer must pay by cheque or by electronic transfer.

"The dealer is required to record the method of payment and keep a copy of any cheque or any receipt identifying the transaction. This is to assist in investigations of metal theft by allowing transactions and sellers to be traced more easily."

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