Brass-necked thieves are plundering the facades of homes and businesses for scrap metal.
Traders have reported a spate of crimes in the Norfolk Square area of Brighton and Hove – while police also learned of thefts in Kemp Town last week.
Police say the crimewave, in which doorknobs, pushplates and knockers have become easy pickings for petty criminals, is a new phenomenon.
Chris Dodd, the manager of The Robin Hood charity pub in Norfolk Place, Brighton, arrived at work last week to find a brass pushplate had been taken from a door.
He said it appeared it had been unscrewed and taken away.
Mr Dodd said: “I pushed the door in the morning and realised it wasn’t there.
“It is only a brass plate, but it is a very low thing to do.
“They are ultimately stealing from a charity.”
Staff at M L Banfield and Sons in nearby Little Western Street said they were inundated with visitors replacing stolen brass items last week.
Homes targeted
David Banfield said: “One day we must have had eight customers in who had had various things from their front doors pinched.
“Every other person had had stuff taken.”
They included pull handles, doorknobs and a large replica bell push.
He said: “Brass has got a scrap value, but you have to get a fair bit.”
PC Claire Horner said police in central Brighton received three reports in Kemp Town the week before last.
She said: “It is true it has not got a very high scrap value, but if you get enough of it it can be sold on.”
Police believe many people affected have not reported the crime. They are encouraging any victims who may have security cameras on their front doors to get in touch.
To report a brass theft or offer information, call Sussex Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
See the latest news headlines from The Argus:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel