West Midlands Police release CCTV images over pipework theft

West Midlands Police shared images of a man they want to speak to about valve and pipework thefts

Police have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with a rise in thefts of valves and pipes from tower blocks.

Dry riser valves and copper pipework taken from properties in Birmingham were believed to be sold on as scrap metal, West Midlands Police said.

The valves allow firefighters to access water when dealing with incidents in tower blocks.

The force shared images from Essington House in Sladefield Road, Ward End.

The pictures, from 5 October, showed a man in a high-vis jacket, described as about 5ft 5in (165cm) tall and in his mid 50s.

Police added officers were working with Birmingham City Council to identify those responsible and had increased patrols in affected areas.