Radio Features

People living in villages between Shrewsbury and Telford have been asked to look out for suspicious activity, especially at night, which might be linked to a spate of metal thefts. Police believe the consequences pose a risk to public safety.

Pc Dave Harte is the local policing officer for Shrewsbury Rural South: "The thefts are happening at night in various parishes including Withington, Walcot, Uppington, Atcham, Leighton and Buildwas."

He said the theft of gates could lead to livestock escaping and causing an accident and stealing drain covers was even more serious: "A motorcyclist or cyclist doesn't stand a chance if they hit a drain without its cover and a pedestrian walking along a country lane in darkness could be seriously hurt.

"The theft of drain covers is a hideous and dangerous criminal act committed by people who have no thought for the safety of others."

Pc Harte  said scrap dealers should think before buying metal drain covers: "I would have to question any scrap dealer who actually receives one of these items. They should be questioning where they come from."