A LARGE drop in thefts of copper and catalytic converters across Hampshire has been welcomed by Meon Valley MP George Hollingbery.

There was a 41% reduction in copper stolen across the Hampshire Constabulary area in the 2012/13 financial year in comparison with 2011/12.

Thefts of catalytic converters plunged 48% over the same time period. There was a small rise in lead thefts.

He believes the police have started to win the battle against the crime

George, who is Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Home Secretary Theresa May, recently met Hampshire Chief Constable Andy Marsh to discuss wider national policing issues and his concerns about rural crime - some of which is metal theft from rural businesses in vulnerable locations.

"These figures largely show that Hampshire Constabulary is getting to grips with tackling metal theft - an offence that has been a real scourge in my consistency along with other forms of rural crime," said George.

"The statistics come on the back of a very constructive meeting with Andy who made it clear that tackling rural crime and speeding in villages were a priority for the force and that is great news.

"Although there has been an overall rise in metal theft this year due, I believe, to better recording, I'm still convinced the police are starting to win this battle.

"There is also no doubt that last year's new government rules banning cash payments for scrap metal and increased fines for handling stolen items has curtailed a lot of this illegal activity and made it easier for the police to act effectively," added George

Mr Marsh said: "I recognise the impact metal theft has both for local communities and in particular businesses within those communities. 

"We have worked tirelessly throughout 2012 through Operation Tornado to achieve these reductions through partnership with the Environment Agency, engaging with scrap metal dealers and tackling those committing offences. 

"We will continue, through firm and fair policing, to create a hostile environment for offenders and make full use of the new legislation around cash-less trading for scrap metal."