The metal detectors

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), July 8, 2004

Byline: By Sonia Sharma

Police are trying to track down thieves who made off with pounds 36,000 of specialised metal from a Tyneside firm.

The thieves struck at the Davy Roll Company's Close Works, in Gateshead, on Monday evening.

A white van, possibly a Mercedes Sprinter, entered the grounds of the firm at around 7.15pm. A forklift truck was then used to lift two pallets containing eight drums of anodised nickel into it.

This metal, which was cut into two-inch square sections, is used to strengthen steel.

Northumbria Police and the company are now trying to piece together details of how the theft took place.

A spokesman from the firm said: "We can confirm there was an incident on Monday evening. We are now co-operating with police on the matter and conducting an internal investigation."

Detectives believe those responsible for the theft may try to sell the stolen metal on to others.

A police spokesman added: "This was a fairly unusual theft of metal. It has an estimated value of pounds 36,000. The material is used to make steel harder.

"We would be keen to hear from anyone who is offered the contents of these drums or has any information of their whereabouts."

The Davy Roll Company, which employs around 250 people, has been trading under this name since 1970. It exports to around 40 countries across the globe.

It manufactures a range of iron and steel cast rolls used by producers in the metal working industry worldwide.

Rolls of up to 55 tonnes finished weight are produced by static and spin-cast techniques and the plant's output is more than 20,000 tonnes a year.

The firm has been in existence for more than 150 years. Before 1970, it manufactured locomotives, coal-mining equipment, general castings and rolls.

The company went on to become one of the largest manufacturing units of its kind in Europe and had an increasing impact on the British steel industry and metal production in other parts of the world.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious on Monday evening or has been offered this metal to buy should contact detectives in Gateshead on (0191) 454 7555 ext 64159.