HALESOWEN is being hit by epidemic levels of thefts as ruthless criminals turn to stealing any type of metal to weigh in for cash.

Fire escape ladders, lead from a school roof and even pedestrian hand rails have been stolen from homes and businesses recently.

The spate of thefts has become so widespread that Halesowen South Councillor David Vickers has raised the issue at Dudley Council.

He said: “We have been talking about this increasing problem of metal thefts as this is happening all over Halesowen.

“Thieves are not just stealing scrap – they are taking anything metal and weighing it in for cash, whether it be a fire escape or a set of hand rails, which obviously are not scrap.

He added: “I am a governor of Tenterfields Primary School and we had lead stolen from the roof not long ago, it is just something that is happening everywhere.”

And Cllr Vickers admitted it will be hard to eradicate in the current economic climate.

He said: “I can understand why it is happening because times are hard for everyone but its totally wrong.

“The trouble is the only way of stopping these thefts is by the police catching them doing it, and they cannot be everywhere at once.”

The latest incident came at Mucklow Hill Trading estate when thieves stole made-to-measure fire escape ladders worth over £1,000 from UK One Training Solutions.

Directors gave chase after catching them in the act but the thieves gave them the slip.

Jonathan Lawrence, company director, said: “These people are thieves and no better than rats scavenging for what they can get irrespective of the consequences.

“And the scrap dealers who they are taking this stuff to are just as bad because they can see fire escape ladders are not scrap.”

He added: “Businesses and homeowners in Halesowen should really be vigilant and protect their belongings because these people will take anything.”

Two years ago West Midlands Police launched Operation Steel after a spate of metal thefts across the Black Country which included a 3ft bronze statue of David Beckham taken in Halesowen and two thirds of Cradley’s St Peter’s Church roof.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “Operation Steel is still in progress and the tactics that were used in the beginning of the operation are still being used to combat metal thefts today.

“The problem is an on-going police priority in Halesowen and is now part of the day to day neighbourhood policing of the area.”

Anyone with information concerning the theft of metal should phone the police 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.