A MAN has been arrested in Malvern and questioned about a series of air conditioning unit thefts.
The man, in his 30s, was stopped by patrolling officers on Spring Lane as he loaded a white Peugeot Boxer panel van at 9.50pm last Friday, January 20.
He was in the possession of items that were believed to be stolen.
Police have also asked him about six similar thefts in December and January including at Tenbury Swimming Pool, Kyrewood Road, Tenbury Wells, on Wednesday, January 18; at Malvern Splash Leisure Pool, Priory Road, Malvern; and at on Wilkinson’s, Edith Walk, Malvern, both on Thursday, January 12.
They also asked him about thefts at The Chase School, Geraldine Road, Malvern between Tuesday, December 20 and Thursday, January 5; at NatWest Bank, Church Street, Malvern, between Monday, December 19 and Thursday, December 22; and at Malvern Splash Leisure Pool between Monday, December 19 and Tuesday, December 20.
Inspector Jane Francis, who leads local policing in Malvern Hills, said: “Like the rest of country, Malvern has seen a large increase in the number of metal thefts in recent years and we are aware of the negative impact they are having on the community.
“This series of air conditioner thefts has been a serious setback for the properties affected, not just because of the cost to replace them but because it also affected their ability to operate.
“Our officers have been proactively patrolling areas of Malvern Hills identified as vulnerable to metal thefts.
“It was because of their activity that this man was stopped and arrested.
“He has been released on bail as we continue to investigate.
“We are doing all we can to counter metal thieves in Malvern and I would like to ask the public to do what they can to help.”
Police want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious, including work vehicles that seemed out of place or unusual activity around public buildings, railway lines or electricity substations.
Police can be contacted by calling 101 or information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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