Justice Minister David Ford has today launched a new Crimestoppers campaign to tackle metal theft in Northern Ireland.

Figures show that in 2011 there were 669 recorded incidents of metal theft throughout Northern Ireland compared to 219 in 2007.

The campaign leaflet ‘Crush metal theft in your community' will be distributed by campaign partners including the PSNI, BT, Northern Ireland Electricity, Northern Ireland Water and the Housing Executive.

It points to the fact that theft of manhole covers, cables used for 999 calls and live electricity wiring puts everyone at risk.

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Launching the campaign, Mr Ford said: "Opportunistic criminals are targeting our community, and putting everyone at risk, by stealing metal from domestic, public and corporate premises.

"It is easy to think the impact of this crime is purely financial but as the Crimestoppers leaflet points out, this crime can also be extremely dangerous to you, your family and your community. Criminals will target children’s playgrounds, church and school roofs, telephone cabling and similar items, with no regard for the potential consequences.

"I am engaging with the Environment Minister, Alex Atwood on the matter and will continue to do so as we seek to address this crime.

"I wish Crimestoppers and their partners every success with this initiative and hope the public responds with any information they may have in order to tackle this crime in Northern Ireland."

(CD)