Increasing metal theft plagues UK
Police create special unit to deal with crimes, with targets including public statues and war memorials.
Published On 30 Dec 2011
Metal theft in the UK has become such a big problem that police in London have created a unit dedicated to tackling the crime.
As well as taking thousands of dollars worth of telecoms cable and copper wire, thieves are becoming more audacious – targeting public statues and war memorials in what has become a lucrative business.
The thefts include a piece of work by the celebrated sculptor Barbara Hepworth, that had been standing in a park in south London since 1970 and was insured for $800,000, which was stolen earlier this month.
Al Jazeera’s Laurence Lee reports from London.
Source: Al Jazeera