THE scourge of scrap
metal theft is continuing in Inishowen with two
break-ins recently reported in Muff. All the
radiators were removed from two vacant townhouses at
An Cualain, Birdstown Road, Muff. The thefts were
only recently discovered but Gardai believe they
happened sometime between September 9 and October 9,
last. Both properties were broken into through rear
patio doors. Damage to the doors is estimated at
some €300 each with the value of the stolen property
estimated at some €500 for each house.
The incidents come as thieves scour the countryside
looking for scrap metal to cash in.
Last month too, two holiday homes in the Three Trees
area of Quigley's Point were burgled and stripped of
all their copper piping and copper cyclinders from
the attics and hot presses. The value of the stolen
items was estimated at some €2,000 for each
property. Scrap metal theft has become endemic
across Ireland as the recession deepens and the
value of metals soar on global markets.
The problem sparked a debate on RTE's 'Liveline'
several days ago with a number of people calling for
tighter regulation of the scrap metal industry.
Callers said theft would not be viable if there was
a paper trail for items and if dealers were
prohibited from handing over cash. Anyone with
information on the Muff or Quigley's Point
burglaries are asked to contact Gardai on 93 84002. |
