Pubs' vandal threat

Yorkshire police and fire services are urging licensees to protect vacant pubs after a spate of fires and vandalism in the area. A disused site in Sheffield was engulfed in flames last week after fire broke out for the second time in less than a week.

Both incidents are being treated as arson and an investigation has been launched by the police. Crime reduction manager, Inspector Stuart Edwards, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "All commercial property is a potential target, but we are seeing a lot of vacant pubs in this area becoming a target for vandals. Landlords need to do more to protect their property."

The increasing value of scrap metal, particularly copper and aluminium, means that pubs are increasingly likely targets for thieves.

Edwards continued: "Thieves find aluminium barrels very attractive - they can bring in a lot of money. Even the electrical wiring can be ripped out. It's best to remove this sort of thing from the site if it's going to be left for a prolonged period of time."

protecting vacant sites

1 Make the site look well-kept.

2 Make sure any damage is repaired quickly.

3 Make your close neighbours aware that you are the landlord of the site.

4 Pass the name of the key-holder to the police and fire services so that they can be contacted in case of emergencies.

5 If the property is to be left vacant for a while, put up a sign saying that all valuable material has been removed.

6 Consider contacting a security-patrol service.

7 Remember that CCTV is not an effective deterrent.