Scrap Metal Theft Incidents Rose Rapidly, Says New Report

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The latest statistics published by the Office for National Statistics suggests that scrap metal theft incidents surged higher significantly in England and Wales during the previous year. The number of metal theft incidents totaled 16,552, higher by 25% over the previous year.

The rail services were severely impacted due to continued rise in metal theft incidents. Network Rail data indicates that railway cable thefts skyrocketed by 85%. This led to delays of more than 950 hours in England, Wales and Scotland. Around 7,000 journeys were affected. Furthermore, it has cost millions to taxpayers. Tresspass and theft accounted for 43% of rail service disruptions in 2018, said British Transport Police (BTP).

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Thames Valley recorded more incidents of metal theft than any other sub-region during 2018. The region recorded 1,193 instances of metal thefts, surging higher by 22% when compared with the prior year. Thames Valley was followed by Cleveland and West Midlands, whose recorded metal thefts totaled 949 and 905 respectively. On the other hand, South Wales saw least number of recorded metal thefts-71. Merseyside, South Wales and Dyfed-Powys also witnessed drop in theft incidents.

The 25% hike in theft incidents, despite various initiatives and actions by organizations like Network Rail and BTP in tackling the menace, suggests that plenty of work still needs to be done.