A DARLINGTON crime prevention company has seen a dramatic increase in work relating to metal thefts.

After a recent police crackdown on scrapyards in Darlington, Newcastle and Sunderland, Stone Technical Services has had more organisations seeking to install anti-vandal measures.

Darlington-based Stone has been working with schools, councils, churches and rail organisations to deal with anti-social issues such as copper and lead thefts and graffiti.

The business specialises in the installation of crime prevention measures for churches, schools and railways, amongst others, providing anti-vandal protection such as specialist aluminium PVC systems and anti-vandal coverings. In addition the company works with Vipa UK, one of the leading manufacturers of crime prevention products providing church roof protection, alarms and CCTV systems.

Managing director of Stone Technical Services, Dave Stone, said: “The rising price of scrap metals, such as copper and lead, has made so many public buildings targets for vandals.

“We know it has become a huge problem because we get daily calls from organisations needing our assistance.”