West Midlands Police have charged a 47-year-old man in connection with the theft of dry riser valves and copper pipework from tower blocks in Birmingham. The metal thefts took place in Bloomsbury Street, Nechells, in August, and Sladefield Road, Saltley, in October.
The man was arrested by police following investigations into both incidents. He was charged yesterday with multiple burglaries and is currently remanded to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday, 1 January.
During the incident on Sladefield Road, a victim was threatened with a bunsen burner. As a result, the suspect now also faces a charge of threatening with an offensive weapon.
Dry riser valves are crucial fire safety equipment used by firefighters to combat fires in tall buildings. The theft of these valves poses a significant risk to the safety of residents living in tower blocks.
Originally published by UKNIP.
