Nottingham metal theft 'costing £1,000 a week'

Metal theft in Nottingham is costing the city council almost £1,000 a week, officials have said.

Since January almost 200 gully covers and 26 metal bins have been stolen - costing about £50,000 to replace.

Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership is now to mark street furniture with Smartwater to deter thieves.

In addition, scrap dealers in the city are being given UV lights to check any incoming metal to ensure it is not stolen.

Peter Moyes, director of the Crime & Drugs Partnership, said: "The theft of street furniture is not just a crime against the council but against the entire community.

The removal of items such as park benches means that facilities cannot be used by citizens until they are replaced, and this is at considerable cost to the public purse."

Signs are to be put up around the city highlighting street furniture which has been marked.

Scrap dealers have also been reminded that anyone buying metal marked with Smartwater risks being charged with handling stolen goods.