Business

Surge in metal theft costs UK economy half a billion pounds

Published

10 months ago

January 30, 2024

A NEW report released today by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Metal, Stone and Heritage has revealed a startling increase in metal theft across the UK, costing the economy an estimated half a billion pounds in the last year alone.

This surge in metal theft, driven by organised crime groups, has been escalating since 2019, with the total cost over the past decade reaching a staggering £4.3 billion.

Pembrokeshire has seen its fair share of this kind of theft, including internet cables being stolen in Pembroke Dock last week. Police are investigating.

Andrew Selous, MP and Chair of the APPG, highlighted the critical role of metal in our daily lives, from infrastructure to personal devices. Selous expressed concern over the rising incidents of theft, particularly from churches and public utilities, which are often miscategorised as ‘non dwelling burglaries’, masking the true extent of this pervasive issue.

In-Depth Inquiry into Metal Theft

The APPG’s comprehensive report, a culmination of a year-long inquiry, involved discussions with various stakeholders, including UK police forces, the British Transport Police, Network Rail, the Church of England, and other key organisations. The inquiry uncovered a significant rise in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles, with incidents skyrocketing by 170 percent since 2013. Thieves target these devices for the precious metals they contain, such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum, which have soared in value on the global market.

Lead theft from churches and historic buildings has also seen an uptick, posing a severe threat to the nation’s heritage. The inquiry shed light on the sophisticated methods employed by criminals, often involving intimidation and high-tech tools to execute these thefts.

The Impact on Society and Economy

The report underscores the profound impact of metal theft on essential services and infrastructure. For example, telecom and power networks have faced significant disruptions due to cable theft, with one organisation reporting over 330 incidents in 2022, leading to losses exceeding £5 million. In one instance, a hospital in Newport, Wales, suffered a theft of £35,000 worth of cable, jeopardising patient safety by disabling its emergency power system.

Who is Behind the Surge?

The inquiry found that metal theft in the UK is increasingly a domestic issue, with stolen metal often processed within the country. This shift is attributed to budget cuts in various governmental bodies, reducing oversight and enforcement. The APPG identified two main types of criminals involved: opportunistic individuals driven by economic gain and organised crime groups (OCGs), which are more sophisticated and numerous, significantly contributing to the prevalence of metal theft.

A Call for Action and Reform

The APPG report criticises the current legal framework’s inability to deter metal theft effectively. It highlights the need for a more robust approach, including specific offence codes for metal theft and enhanced data collection on the crime’s nature and impact.

To combat this rising threat, the APPG has proposed ten recommendations, including the establishment of a Home Office-led working group comprising various stakeholders to enforce the Scrap Metal Dealers Act (SMDA) more effectively. The recommendations also call for a detailed national police effort to gather intelligence and disrupt OCGs, suggesting that current sentencing does not reflect the severity of the impact of these crimes.

The report concludes that while the SMDA initially curbed metal theft, dwindling knowledge and enforcement of the Act have allowed unlawful dealers to operate with little risk of prosecution. The APPG hopes its recommendations will reverse the increasing trend of metal theft since 2019 and address this significant threat to the UK’s economy and heritage.

For more detailed information on the report and its findings, please visit our website at [web address].

[Your Name], with over 20 years of experience in journalism, reporting for The Pembrokeshire Herald.

Business

Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.

The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.

Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.

Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”

For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.

Business

Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.

The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.

***There is a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties***

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”

SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION

As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.

Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.

“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”

ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS

An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.

“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.

The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES

The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.

The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.

Business

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority invites businesses to advertise in mag

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As 2024 comes to a close, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is encouraging local businesses to prepare for the year ahead by reserving advertising space in Coast to Coast, Pembrokeshire’s highly regarded, award-winning visitor magazine.

Launching its 43rd edition in Easter 2025, Coast to Coast provides a prime opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience, with a readership exceeding one million people.

The bilingual publication, distributed across Pembrokeshire’s busiest locations and parts of Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion during peak tourism months, is a valuable resource for both visitors and residents. From unique products and delicious offerings to exciting experiences, businesses of all types can benefit from the exposure Coast to Coast offers. The magazine is available in hundreds of outlets countywide and has become an essential guide for anyone looking to explore the best of Pembrokeshire.

“Over the years, Coast to Coast has established itself as the must-have summer guide, packed with inspiration for exploring the Park,” said Marie Parkin, Head of Marketing and Communications for the Authority. “In addition to showcasing our visitor attractions such as Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the magazine includes practical information like maps, bus schedules and tide tables.”

“From scenic walks and beach days to rich insights into the Park’s heritage, culture, and wildlife, Coast to Coast offers something for everyone. Our Activities and Events listings ensure families can enjoy a full calendar of experiences,” Marie Parkin added.

With advertising deadlines set for early January 2025, businesses are encouraged to act swiftly to secure their spot and avoid disappointment.

For more information about advertising in Coast to Coast, please contact [email protected] or call 01646 624895.