OFFICERS are investigating after three reports of metal theft from the roofs of properties in Andover and Hurstbourne Tarrant.

The incidents occurred between Tuesday, February 15, and Saturday, February 26 with known targets including a jewellery shop and a church.

At 4.15pm on Wednesday, February 16, it was reported that sometime between 10pm on February 15, and 12am on February 16, lead was stolen from the roof of H Samuel Ltd on the High Street in Andover, along with a brown Test Valley bin.

At 12.18pm on Friday, February 25, it was reported that sometime between 10pm on February 22 and 5am 23 February lead had been stolen from the ridge of the porch of St Peters Church on Church Road in Hurstbourne Tarrant.

Finally, at 12.56pm on Saturday, February 26, it was reported that sometime between 8.25pm on February 25 and 11pm on February 26, lead was once again stolen from the roof of H Samuel.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “We take reports of thefts of metal extremely seriously and officers are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify those responsible.

“We are asking anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or has any private CCTV that may help our investigation to get in touch by calling us on 101 quoting 44220078000 or online at hampshire.police.uk.

“Officers continue to carry out increased patrols in the areas affected. If you have any information please don’t hesitate to speak to them.”

Speaking to the Advertiser, Steve Godwin, manager of Andover BID, added: “A week or so ago, when out and about, our rangers went round the back of one of the buildings in the High Street and discovered there was lead flashing in one of the bins.

“It’s very frustrating for the businesses, because the first they know about it is either when our rangers let us know, or when it’s pouring with rain and water is coming in!”

He continued: “If everybody could just keep vigilant, and if they see anything suspicious, or if they actually see theft taking place, please report it immediately.”

Police have also issued a “reminder” of some of the measures you can take to deter those seeking to steal metal:

  • Ensure access to roofs is restricted, for example using splayed guards around rainwater downpipes to prevent climbing.
  • Ensure trees and signs are not within close proximity to the building. If recommending anti-climb measures, ensure you advise signage must be put up (Occupiers Liability Act 1984).
  • Maximise surveillance by neighbouring properties.
  • Keep wheelie bins locked up or in rear gardens, as these can often be used to transport the metal and used to assist climbing.
  • Ensure ladders are locked away or chained up.
  • Consider using alternatives to lead and copper where possible.
  • Ensure perimeter security is sufficient. 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.
  • Ensure that metal gates are secured at the hinges to prevent them from being lifted off.
  • Commercial premises could put up a sign asking members of the public to report anyone on site out of hours.
  • Mark metal with forensic marking solutions or stamp the postcode in several places.
  • Consider alarming your scaffolding poles.

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