The theft of central heating boilers from vacant council properties is a growing problem that poses a serious danger.
Last year Cardiff Council launched its ‘Too Hot to Handle’ campaign, to fight against the theft of central heating boilers.
On Wednesday July 14 at 10am a second wave of boiler tagging will commence in the city. The council along with South Wales Police will be tagging boilers in Llanrumney and Trowbridge, starting in Ruskin Close, Browning Close, and on July 15 at Trowbridge Green.
Tagging involves boilers being fitted with tracking devices. The devices are a deterrent and also ensure stolen equipment is easily detected. The datatags consists of a number of small transponders that give boilers an electronic fingerprint. Scanners are available for police to identify stolen property.
As well as a serious threat of injury, boiler thefts are also a huge drain upon council finances. The offences can cost the council up to £100,000 every year in replacement boilers, with each theft leaving a bill running into thousands.
Executive Member for Housing, Communities and Social Justice, Cllr Judith Woodman, said: “The council takes the issue of boiler theft very serious, it’s a crime that can cause serious risk to residents as gas pipes are often left exposed.
“Working alongside South Wales Police we hope to tackle this issue. In its first year the ‘Too hot to Handle campaign’ has already helped to cut down the number of boilers that have been stolen or damaged.”
Sergeant James O’Donnell from South Wales Police community safety department said, “Metal theft, including boilers, scrap metals and copper is an area of crime we take very seriously. Not only is it often associated with other areas of crime but can also be a danger to public safety. We will be working closely with our partners to tackle this issue. This will include measures such as boiler tagging which can not only lead us to the thief but to the handler too.”
