Arrests thanks to eagle-eyed Council workers

Forty-five metres of the metal fencing was unbolted and stolen from the Matlock Drive play area in Cannock late last night or in the early hours of this morning. Three members of the Council's cleansing team who look after parks and open spaces assisted Council officers in making the play area safe then shortly afterwards saw two men cutting up metal fencing behind a van parked between two blocks of flats (Tuesday 25th September) just a short distance from the play area. The police were immediately alerted by Council officers and arrests were made.

Cannock Chase Council's Leader praised the workers today and appealed to residents to also report any incidents of metal theft to the Police. Cllr George Adamson said: "The quick thinking of our workers resulted in the police making arrests in connection with the theft of the metal fencing. Unfortunately, metal thieves are obviously operating in our District and I appeal to residents to report any incidents or suspicious behaviour to Staffordshire Police on 101."

Chief Inspector Carl Ratcliffe, Commander of the Cannock District Policing Team, said: "The Council staff did exactly the right thing by calling us with this information. We responded to the information and arrested two local men in connection with the theft of the fencing aged 35 and 42 years' old."