Three charged in metal theft swoop

Selby police have charged three offenders as they step up the fight against metal thefts in the district.

The suspects, all from the Humberside area, were detained when officers were called to reports of a burglary in progress at Olympia Mills in Barlby, at around 2.05pm on Thursday 21 July 2011.

Police arrived at the scene and found them inside an outbuilding in possession of a large quantity of scrap metal.

They were taken into custody and later charged with burglary.

The suspects, two men aged 23 and 25, and a 16-year-old youth are all due to appear before Scarborough Magistrates' Court on Thursday 18 August 2011.

Police in Selby are also appealing for witnesses after an attempted cable theft in South Milford on Thursday 21 July 2011.

The offenders were disturbed by a member of the public while preparing to take approximately 1500 metres of BT cable at around 1.40am.

They left the scene empty-handed in a green Jeep Cherokee, which was later found abandoned in Sherburn-in-Elmet.

Officers are conducting forensic tests on the vehicle in an effort to trace the offenders and are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Sergeant Neil Dunn, of Selby Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "Although the suspects left the scene empty handed, we are working hard to combat cable and metal thefts across the district, therefore it is important that we identify them.

"I am appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious people or vehicles in South Milford around the time of the incident to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information."

Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries into this incident, or has any information about metal or cable theft in Selby District, is urged to contact Sgt Neil Dunn, of Selby Safer Neighbourhood Team, on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting reference number 12110121521.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

12.07pm - 22 July 2011