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Thieves target masts for cash
As well as saving money for Guardian readers the Consumer Champion prides himself on warning the public about the latest scams.
That's why the Champ was disturbed to discover that thieves have been targeting mobile phone masts across Chorley.
They've been stealing the valuable copper used to divert lightning into the ground.
Criminals have stripped many of Chorley's phone masts of the metal and police say it's part of a spate of metal thefts in recent weeks, totalling thousands of pounds.
Mobile phone operators are assessing the damage to find out how many masts and base structures across the borough have been struck by thieves.
The thefts have sparked concerns about the safety of the surrounding area in case of should lightning strike, however, mobile phone operators say the masts are still safe.
Insp Ian Roberts, of Chorley police, told the Consumer Champion: "The massive increase in the price paid for scrap and precious metals is causing a large increase in the theft of these materials.
"We are working with the scrapyard industry and monitoring scrapyards for scrap metal being bought in."
Mobile phone operators Vodafone and 3G, which own most of the phone masts in the borough, say they have yet to assess how many masts were targeted.
A spokesman for Vodafone said: "We are aware of phone masts being targeted by criminals and we are currently considering a redesign of the masts to assure this will not happen in future.
"The copper conductors run down the side of the masts and are there to make sure the structures are earthed."
A spokesman for 3G Hutchison said: "We understand that the general public may be concerned about the loss of the conductors, but I would like to assure them that there is no danger and that the masts are still fully operational."
Two weeks ago, the Guardian reported on thefts of copper piping and building materials worth thousands of pounds, which police said were on the increase due to the credit crunch.
Anyone with information on metal thefts should contact Chorley police on 01257 269021 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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Weather for Chorley
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Fog
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
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Sunny spells
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