An Garda Síochána

Metal Theft Crime Prevention & Reduction Plan

www.garda.ie Foreword

Metal theft is an emerging phenomenon in Ireland and An Garda Síochána is committed to developing solutions and strategies to combat this problem. Metal theft is not unique to Ireland, it is a global problem. The rising demand for metal on the international market and the associated significant rise in metal prices has made metal theft a particularly attractive and lucrative enterprise for thieves. It is believed that the demand for metal will remain strong, metal prices will continue to rise and consequently metal theft will continue to be attractive to thieves, both opportunist and organised. The impact and harm caused by metal theft varies across sectors. Significant financial loss and potentially serious harm, including death, can often result from the theft of metal from utility and rail companies. The removal of lead from roofs can cause significant damage to buildings and leave them prone to further damage from rain etc. The theft of beer kegs has a significant economic impact for breweries that have to replace the stolen kegs with new ones. In short, metal theft strikes at the very heart of the community.

The metal theft problem can only be tackled by a collaborative effort by all relevant stakeholders, including the general public. The Gardaí are one element of this solution. All relevant stakeholders are encouraged to engage and actively participate in finding solutions. The participation of government departments and agencies with An Garda Síochána on the metal Theft Forum will assist greatly with this concerted multi-agency approach.

The development of the Garda Crime Prevention & Reduction Plan is aimed at preventing and reducing metal theft within this jurisdiction. The commitment of An Garda Síochána, with the cooperation and collaboration of stakeholders, is to prevent / reduce metal theft thereby providing a safer and more secure living and working environment for both the public at large and the business community.

Martin Callinan Commissioner of An Garda Síochána

An Garda Síochána –“Metal Theft Crime Prevention & Reduction Plan”

1

Introduction The over-riding objective of this plan is to deliver crime prevention and reduction policies / measures to combat the problem of metal theft. It also provides guidance and direction to members of An Garda Síochána as to how these measures can be delivered and identifies actions required from all relevant stakeholders.

The key areas developed to counteract the metal theft problem are proposed and developed around the basic crime triangle which essentially proposes that for every crime to occur there must be three specific ingredients – A motivated offender A suitable victim / target, and A suitable location.

Plans are proposed around each of these elements of the crime triangle. Each element by itself, will help in reducing and preventing metal theft; however, by combining all three, greater results should be forthcoming than focussing solely on one element of the triangle.

To determine whether a plan is successful or not will require continuous assessment and evaluation during the lifetime of the strategy. Therefore, the plan must be robust enough to do what it is designed to do and flexible enough to be changed as the need arises and as determined by ongoing assessment.

It must be clearly understood from the outset that some strategies will be more successful than others; some will work better in one location than in another and some will work better with particular offenders. What is important is that the plan is continually analysed and assessed with reasons for its non-performance identified. Only then can appropriate decisions be made to change the plan or alter its focus.

The formulation of any plan must be based on evidence-based research. Therefore, it is important, that local management carry out full analysis of crime trends in their areas.

This Crime Prevention & Reduction Plan has been developed following consultation with: 1. Members of the ‘Metal Theft Forum’ 2. Senior Garda management

An Garda Síochána –“Metal Theft Crime Prevention & Reduction Plan”

2

Table of Contents

Particulars

Page

Foreword

1

Introduction

2

Table of Contents

3

An Overview of the Metal Theft Problem Background

4

Consequences and harm / damage caused by metal theft

4

Stakeholders

5

Offenders

5

Conclusion

5

An Garda Síochána –“Metal Theft Crime Prevention & Reduction Plan”

3

An Overview of the Metal Theft Problem Introduction The recent significant increase in incidents involving the theft of metal requires a co-ordinated response from An Garda Síochána and all relevant stakeholders. Metal theft has become a serious security and safety concern for An Garda Síochána, businesses, utility providers, rail transport and members of the public.

A ‘Metal Theft Forum’ has been established by An Garda Síochána involving various groups and agencies including the ESB, Eircom/Meteor, Irish Rail, Luas, UPC, British Telecom, the Irish Farmers Association, Diageo, the Irish Brewers Association, Department of Environment Community & Local Government and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The global demand for metal and rising commodity prices has caused this particular crime to become more widespread and profitable. Other related factors include offenders targeting unguarded locations and metal types that are normally not considered a risk or valuable. The increase in metal theft and efforts to prevent it has also highlighted weakness in the regulation of the scrap metal industry.

Security and risk assessment along with reliable research and analysis of the metal theft problem will assist in designing an effective national crime prevention and reduction plan. This plan can be maintained or modified to respond to the extent of the problem at a district, divisional and regional level.

Consequences and harm / damage caused by Metal Theft As well as the interruption of services and utilities provided to customers, there are a number of other implications associated with metal theft such as economic costs, security concerns, environmental impact and health and safety risks to personnel and the public and losses to the public associated with disrupted services.

Costs may include the repair of damaged equipment, replacement of metal components, loss of revenue to the provider, refunds to inconvenienced users and increased security costs.

Environmental contamination can also be caused i.e. air pollution from the burning of the sheathing on copper cable, oil leakages or indiscriminate dumping of by-products when ESB electric transformers and substations are broken into. Significant waste disposal costs can also be incurred as a result of the subsequent clean up.

Personnel and members of the public are exposed to health and safety risks by the removal of copper earthing and transformers, equipment necessary for services to operate safely. The removal of security gates, doors and manhole covers leave members of the public, especially children, prone to danger. The security of staff and Gardaí responding to call outs at isolated locations, especially at

An Garda Síochána –“Metal Theft Crime Prevention & Reduction Plan”

4

night, is further compromised. The parties involved in metal theft, especially those targeting electricity substations and equipment are also exposed to significant health and safety risks.

Stakeholders All the stakeholders involved with the ”Metal Theft Forum” have been affected in some manner by metal theft and have contributed to the formation of the plan by gathering information and becoming proactive in tackling the problem. An improved information sharing network has been created, leading to cooperation in resolving the issue of metal theft and sharing best practice concepts.

The multi agency approach is yielding dividends in combating metal theft and will continue in its endeavours to ensure the scrap metal industry is operating responsibly and complying with required regulations.

Offenders An offender profile is a necessary ingredient in formulating a strategy to tackle this problem. It is important to establish if this crime is being committed by an organised criminal operation or opportunist thieves. Researchers need to analyse all data about the problem in order to target a response.

The scrap metal industry is in the unattractive position of being a victim and an offender. Unregulated scrap metal dealers may provide a market for stolen metal; however legitimate operators may be potential targets for the theft of unsecured scrap metal or the robbery of cash kept on the premises.

Conclusion There is no ‘one fit’ approach to crime prevention and reduction for metal theft, although the following is advised:

Initially, a problem must be identified by analysis (not anecdotal) and any initiative put in place to address it must involve a multi-agency approach. This approach must be based on well grounded theories of crime prevention tailored to the area and factors at play. Evaluation of the initiative has to be evidence-based and either discontinued (if unsuccessful) or supported (if showing benefits).

An Garda Síochána –“Metal Theft Crime Prevention & Reduction Plan”

5

National Metal Theft Crime Prevention & Reduction Plan Overview This Plan is focussed on five keys areas as follows – 1. Offenders 2. Targets / Locations 3. Stakeholders 4. Scrap Metal Dealers 5. Regulation / Legislation

1.

The initial key area is that of identifying and targeting those responsible for metal theft. It is believed that those responsible will fall into two principal categories – (i) organised metal theft gangs and (ii) opportunist thieves. This aspect of the overall plan is aimed at identifying these individuals and putting in place both specific and non-specific operations to target these persons. Where the evidence supports a criminal prosecution it is intended that offenders will be prosecuted through the Courts. In line with the An Garda Síochána Victims Charter, An Garda Síochána will also keep victims of metal theft informed of prosecutions and court outcomes.

2.

The second key area concerns that of the target itself (metal) and the site / premises wherein it is located. Where practicable, it is essential that all such sites / premises have appropriate security. This should be sufficient to deter would-be thieves in the first place or, in the event of an attempt to steal metal, detect the intrusion and delay / deny the thieves for sufficient time to enable a response (Garda or other).

3.

The third key area looks at the role of the stakeholders affected by metal theft. It is vital that all stakeholders (including An Garda Síochána) are cooperating and adopting a multi-agency response to the problem.

4.

Scrap metal dealers will be the focus of the fourth key area. Scrap metal dealers have a critical role in solving the metal theft problem and it is essential that they are engaged with and involved in providing solutions.

5.

Examination of the extent of current legislation with regard to Garda monitoring/powers of entry or search at premises dealing in scrap metal.

Finally, it is also imperative that evaluations are performed on the success or otherwise of strategies employed and this will be carried out at appropriate time intervals.

An Garda Síochána –“Metal Theft Crime Prevention & Reduction Plan”

6