Vacant houses are targets for thieves stealing copper tanks, pipes, and wiring, which they sell to unscrupulous scrap-metal dealers. In one case, the theft caused a gas leak which resulted in houses being evacuated (BelTel). The Housing Executive now removes the copper from empty residences and replaces it when the resident moves in, at a cost of about £3,000 (BBC-NI).
“Warning: Copper tanks and pipes have been removed from this property. Keep out. This property is being monitored for unlawful activity.”
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Copyright © 2014 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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