Home Office plans metal crime unit

Home Office plans metal crime unit The Home Office has announced plans to create a National Metal Theft Crime Unit (NMTCU) in a bid to stop the theft of cabling and tackle illegal scrap metal dealers.

Launched in February, the NMTCU will be charged with further reducing the amount of metal theft in the UK and will work closely with police departments across England and Wales.

The government-backed Energy Networks Association estimates that the theft of telecommunications and power distribution cabling costs the UK economy £360 million a year.

Run jointly by the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Transport Police, it will include representatives from the Home Office and various utility companies – among others.

Home Office minister Alan Campbell said: "Metal theft has even caused power cuts and closed rail lines."

Meanwhile, chief executive of BT Ian Livinston told the Financial Times that the high price of copper cabling makes it more likely to be targeted by criminals for theft. ADNFCR-1186-ID-18970808-ADNFCR

Last Updated: 13/01/2009 15:53

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