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Grant Thomas has 16 Published Articles

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Don’t Let Your Metal go for Scrap: Protect Your Site from Thieves

Posted On : Apr-18-2013 | seen (915) times | Article Word Count : 471 |

These days metal theft is frequently in the news. This is a fast-growing crime that is costing homeowners and businesses millions of pounds every year.
These days metal theft is frequently in the news. This is a fast-growing crime that is costing homeowners and businesses millions of pounds every year. With scrap metal prices increasing all the time this type of theft is quickly becoming the number one crime in the UK.

Why do Thieves Steal Metal?

The simple fact is that basic metals like copper, steel, aluminium and lead are currently in huge global demand. The need for these metals in industries such as construction and transport is fast outstripping the raw materials that can be extracted from the earth. This means that scrap metal prices are on the increase.

Metals such as steel and cast iron have a number of very functional uses and are not thought of as being very valuable like gold or silver would be. This means steel is frequently put to commonplace uses and in areas that are not protected by security systems. For example steel manhole covers and street signs are a basic part of most road systems. They are not protected by security systems and are easily accessible to thieves.

Transport officials have now had to look into new non-metal materials for these essentials street items as so many thieves are now targeting the steel versions for scrap theft.

Construction companies have also suffered from the rise in metal theft. Building sites are targeted by thieves as they can yield rich pickings when it comes to basic metals like copper and steel. Many construction companies have now had to invest in upgraded security systems for preventing copper theft and other metal thefts.

Domestic properties can also be affected by metal theft. In particular lead roofing, copper pipes and wiring and steel fencing have all been targeted by metal thieves.

Preventing Metal Theft

There are many ways you can reduce the risks of metal theft occurring on your construction site, business premises or domestic property. Although there is no 100% way to protect yourself against thieves you can make yourself less of a target. Most thieves are opportunistic. They will look for easy targets and quickly move on if they feel that your premises are too much of a risk. You can help to prevent metal with measures such as:

• Store metal supplies out of sight and in a secure locked place.
• Invest in CCTV systems in high-risk areas.
• Install motion-detection floodlights to deter thieves.
• Protect perimeters with anti-climb fencing, locked gates and alarm systems.
• Remove or lock away potential climbing aids from your property such as benches, ladders and wheelie bins.
• Cover exposed piping or fencing with aftermarket anti-climb grease to make its removal more difficult.
• Secure metal exterior furniture by chaining to a solid foundation plinth when not in use.

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Don’t Let Your Metal go for Scrap: Protect Your Site from Thieves_261520.aspx

Author Resource :
Security is paramount, whatever industry you are in. However, some industries require heightened protection and that is why building site security is highly sought after. Grant Thomas has been a frequent contributor for Tag Guard and has written many articles pertaining to all things regarding construction and building site security especially on such subjects as the prevention of copper theft.

Keywords : Lead and copper theft, Construction Site Security, Building Site Security, Copper theft,

Category : Business : Business

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