Metal theft is a real poblem at the moment, especially copper. We have fallen victim to thefts in Tynedale as of late and its a matter I have recently raised with the Chief Constable.
The problem was hammered home recently with the news that thieves struck a hospital in Wales on Tuesday, an action condemned as "dangerous and irresponsible" by hospital bosses.
The thiefs had targetted a generator which ensures the hospital does not lose electricity if there is a power failure during operations. The theft at the hospital meant that 50 patients had their operations cancelled, including two who were due to undergo breast cancer surgery.
This most certainly isn´t a vicimless crime.
The government is taking steps to tackle this problem. Its not soon enough.
