The Sheffield based Business Crime Reduction Centre (BCRC) is focusing on metal thefts as a priority target in the face of the rising value of that crime sector.
 
Metal thefts cost South Yorkshire businesses over £2.5m in 2006, against £1.8m in 2005 and totals are on the increase again this year. These figures exclude additional expenses such as increased insurance premiums.
 
Over 150 businesses were hit last year and that figure is expected to be surpassed this year.
 
BCRC chief executive David Ransom explains: “A major reason for this trend is the increased value of scrap metal – prices have risen by some 80% this year alone and copper has recently traded at as much as £9,000 a tonne. Intelligence reveals organised crime groups heavily involved and business “insiders” being used. Metal theft leads on to money laundering, tax fraud and job losses – we’re talking about a multi-million pound black market.
 
“Within its broader classification of general business crime, metal theft is given a low policing priority, with 2006 detection rates falling below 10%,” he adds.
 
“That’s why our experienced advisers are working closely with companies to ensure every precaution is in place against these crimes.”
 
The BCRC is tackling metal theft crimes by developing self-assessment and other diagnostic tools that assist in the introduction or upgrading of physical security and virtual secure ICT practices, with grants available for suitably qualified companies.
 
The Centre works in partnership with South Yorkshire Police and organisations including Local Strategic Partnerships, Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and Business Link South Yorkshire. BCRC can be contacted on 0114 275 1283.