Iron gates targeted by thieves

22/07/2009

People with iron gates should be on the look out as thieves have been targeting metal gates to sell them for scrap.

Homes in Norfolk have been hit, with a number of iron gates being stolen from fields and homes, while a pair of wrought iron gates was taken from a house in St Germans.

Police officers are urging homeowners to mark their gates with security pens to prevent the thefts.

Sergeant Sam Pontin, from the Terrington Safer Neighbourhood Team, said that it is not always easy to secure the gates.

He added: "However, we would advise owners to do as much as they can to make their gates less attractive to thieves, by painting a business name or post code on the property and using additional chains and locks to keep them secure."

Elsewhere in the country, iron gates are being used to prevent anti-social behaviour and crime by being fitted to the end of alleyways.