Warning to caravan owners after gas bottle thefts
Thursday, 3rd May 2012.
Holidaymakers, caravan owners and owners of camping and caravan sites are being warned by Suffolk Police to adequately secure gas bottles following reports of thefts around the county.
With the May bank holiday only a few days away and people planning to go on holiday police would like to remind people to, where possible, secure gas cylinders in a lockable ventilated fire resistant container or metal cage secured with a closed shackle padlock and ideally appropriately secure the container itself to a solid surface.
There have been 11 reports of gas cylinder thefts since the beginning of 2011 across Suffolk and it is thought that thieves are targeting the bottles for their metal value.
During a three-month operation held between January 1 and March 31, which targeted the theft of metal in the region, officers from ERSOU (Eastern Region Special Operations Unit) intercepted containers at ports including London Thamesport, Tilbury, Felixstowe, Harwich and Dover as the items were about to be shipped abroad to West Africa, China, India and Northern Cyprus.
Items seized included over 500 liquid propane Gas Cylinder (LPG) cylinders – including 304, which were seized in one container. The total value of the cylinders recovered is believed to be in excess of £20,000.
Police are asking people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or persons to Suffolk Police by telephoning 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
With the May bank holiday only a few days away and people planning to go on holiday police would like to remind people to, where possible, secure gas cylinders in a lockable ventilated fire resistant container or metal cage secured with a closed shackle padlock and ideally appropriately secure the container itself to a solid surface.
There have been 11 reports of gas cylinder thefts since the beginning of 2011 across Suffolk and it is thought that thieves are targeting the bottles for their metal value.
During a three-month operation held between January 1 and March 31, which targeted the theft of metal in the region, officers from ERSOU (Eastern Region Special Operations Unit) intercepted containers at ports including London Thamesport, Tilbury, Felixstowe, Harwich and Dover as the items were about to be shipped abroad to West Africa, China, India and Northern Cyprus.
Items seized included over 500 liquid propane Gas Cylinder (LPG) cylinders – including 304, which were seized in one container. The total value of the cylinders recovered is believed to be in excess of £20,000.
Police are asking people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or persons to Suffolk Police by telephoning 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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