THE tide of metal thefts in Tandridge is the worst in Surrey.
In a 28-month period – from April 2011 to August 1 this year – there were 293 crimes recorded in the district, and the total estimated haul of the stolen material is £198,500.
The findings come amid new moves to regulate the scrap metal trade, to try to ensure only licensed, bona fide dealers handle waste metal locally.
Outlining the measures on Thursday last week, the council's deputy director of community services Paul Barton said: "The value of metal thefts in Tandridge is the highest level in Surrey, which is something we are not proud of.
"In Nutfield, for instance, the whole play area had all its metal removed from the play equipment overnight the other week – and similar incidents have been an issue throughout the district."
Metal chains have been stolen from play equipment in four of Tandridge's recreation grounds in a spate of thefts over recent months.
Sites hit were Coldshott play area in Hurst Green, White Knobs Way Recreation Ground in Caterham, Mid Street Recreation Ground in Nutfield, and Jenners Field in Lingfield.
The chains at the Coldshott play area had only just been replaced following a previous theft.
Lingfield and Dormansland Community Centre was left without power after thieves stole lead from the roof, causing rain to pour in.
The lead flashing was stolen from dormer windows resulting in major leaks.
Under new legislation, the eight scrap metal sites and 11 waste metal collectors in the district will have to go through a detailed application process to be eligible for a dealer's licence.
As from October, licence holders will have to keep detailed records – and both police and the council will have new powers to close unlicensed sites.
Welcoming the crackdown, Whyteleafe councillor Tom Dempsey said: "I'm delighted that these regulations should hopefully stop a lot of metal thefts.
"We have had thefts of equipment from Whyteleafe playground, and dozens of metal cremation plaques have been stolen from St Luke's Church, off Whyteleafe Hill."
Widow Olive Parker, 77, was left in tears after her late husband John's plaque was stolen.
Mrs Parker, of Ninehams Close, Caterham, said on Friday: "Anything that makes it harder for thieves to dispose of stolen metal must be welcomed."
Tandridge Neighbourhood Inspector Angie Austin said she welcomed stronger legislation to allow police to take "robust action" to help stem the tide of metal thefts.
She branded metal thieves as "pond life", some of whom had stolen from pensioners' minibuses, cemeteries and sheltered flats.
