Shiply Urges Couriers and Van Owners to be Vigilant of Metal Thieves

London, United Kingdom, February 17, 2012 --(PR.com)-- It appears thieves are broadening their scope in terms of what they are willing to steal. In what has been described by government ministers as an “epidemic,” the theft of metal for scrap is becoming an increasing concern for the UK authorities.

These acts of destruction that are costing the UK £1 billion every year, police told The Mail. Thieves have been prying metals from all manner of sources. Memorials drain covers, substation pylons and energy cabling have all been stolen by criminals. Not content with defacing commemorative monuments or risking their lives disrupting transport networks for a profit thieves are now targeting vehicles. Removals of exhausts and catalytic converters means that van owners especially should be wary of this crime wave expansion.

Incidents of entire exhaust systems being sawn off have been reported in the Manchester Evening News. Authorities believe that vans are an “easier target” because of their higher ground clearance than cars, and that built up areas are the most at risk of this type of theft. Catalytic converters are reportedly as well because of their value as a working item and that they often contain precious metals such as platinum.

Robert Matthams MD of Shiply, the online transport marketplace which thousands of man and a van operators use to find extra business, had this to say on the issue:

“These crimes are despicable really; firstly thieves ruin memorials now they are targeting personal property, which in the case of many van drivers is their livelihood.

"I would urge all drivers to exercise caution when leaving their vehicle, especially overnight. Urban areas are the main concern over this sort of thing, but catalytic converters were also stolen in Devon last year, so everyone should be wary.

"I think London drivers should be particularly vigilant as they may have fitted expensive particulate filters to conform to the city’s Low Emission Zone standards.

"Given that vans are more accessible than cars it wouldn’t be unreasonable to say that larger vehicles could be at risk. Lorries and car transporter trailers left overnight might be seen as an opportunity by criminals too. Thieves have shown they’re willing to take extreme risks to get their hands on metals so even seemingly secure locations could be targeted."

About Shiply

Founded in 2008, Shiply matches people needing to move goods with transport companies going there anyway. Over 25% of lorries run completely empty of cargo and over 50% run only part-full. By enabling consumers and businesses to make use of this spare capacity, Shiply.com dramatically cuts down on CO2 emissions, increases the profitability of transport companies and saves the consumer up to 75%.

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