The rising value of gas pipework made from copper

With prices of scrap metal remaining strong, thieves are trying to obtain more metal, whether it is fixed or not.  This is proving a problem for the gas industry, because of the dangers of gas pipes being stolen.

This has serious consequences for the health and safety of people living and working in the buildings which have been stripped.  In Scunthorpe recently, thieves targeted 23 homes, ripping away copper piping from gas meters fixed to outer walls and creating gas leaks.  The residents in the flats were left without gas central heating, cooking facilities or hot water until emergency repairs could be completed using a less valuable metal. 

This shows the lengths thieves will go to, whether stealing heating oil from storage tanks in people’s gardens or copper pipes fixed to their homes. 

Police are urging anyone who uses copper to secure it when away from their vehicles, or overnight – preferably removing it from their vehicles to a secure compound whenever possible.

PH Jones Ltd, a specialist central heating and plumbing contractor, has devised a unique way of capitalising on the value of copper piping, by collecting all spare pieces from gas heating repairs and heating replacements undertaken for Chester and District Housing Trust, and sending them to be recycled.  The money raised is used to support residents of the Trust to participate in Learning Legacy, which enables them to progress in their careers by funding educational courses. 

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