Security bosses warn of rise in UK building site thefts by organised crime
Thefts of tools and equipment from building sites are increasingly being carried out by organised criminal groups, according to security bosses, amid warnings that the crimewave could accelerate during the Christmas construction shutdown,Copper cables, tools and even telehandlers and diggers costing tens of thousands of pounds have been stolen in recent months, according to the security firm Kingdom Systems,Now there are concerns that there could be a spate of thefts during the annual closure of construction sites, which sometimes last as long as two weeks over the festive period,Criminals often exploit long winter-nights as they look to break into sites, hoping to make off with the most costly tools and equipment stored there,“Darkness helps thieves to move in the shadows,” said Paul Worsley, the chief services officer at Kingdom Services, which runs temporary CCTV for more than 100 construction sites across Scotland and northern England.
“They use the Christmas period as an opportunity because construction sites close for a longer period and there is less chance of them being spotted by someone coming on to site.”Construction site thefts have soared amid the cost of living crisis, Worsley said, while the greater availability of battery-powered, cordless angle grinders has led to more thieves attempting to break the locks of buildings or storage cabins.The National Federation of Builders (NFB), a trade organisation that represents regional contractors and small- and medium-sized housebuilders, has calculated tool theft costs the industry almost £100m a year and has put traders and companies out of business.“I have never met a member who has not had an issue with tool theft or site theft,” said Rico Wojtulewicz, the head of policy and market insight at the NFB.“One member suffered two incidents of theft during last year’s Christmas period.
He said he is not looking forward to this year,”In the past, thieves have targeted copper cables, steel and piping,However, they are increasingly going after tools and equipment, which industry representatives believe signals the involvement of organised criminal groups,“They have the ability to get this equipment started, they know how to drive it,” said Worsley,“To move big plant equipment on, you have to know what you are doing.
”The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is calling for greater deterrents for thieves.A bill proposing harsher sentences for those convicted of tool theft is making its way through parliament.“Many small- and medium-sized enterprises are already feeling the burden of increased costs and chasing payments, so the cost of having to replace their tools can be difficult to bear at any time, least of all Christmas,” said David Barnes, the head of policy and public affairs at the CIOB.Security companies say good lighting may deter some thieves, while they also advise that construction firms group containers or storage units in one area in the centre of a site away from fences, to allow better monitoring.
No more kitchen martyrs – a guide to sharing the load at Christmas
“Anything I can do to help?” If ever a line was guaranteed to incense the person in charge of cooking for a crowd, it is this one: uttered in seeming innocence by a guest roused by the sound of clattering pans, and who wants to seem polite but in reality hopes the answer is: “No, thank you.” This was drilled out of us from a young age by a mother who firmly believed that those who are serious about helping need not look far to find vegetables to chop or pots to wash up. But for guests who can’t “read” kitchens – or minds, for that matter – there are some principles that might prove helpful at this time of year. And, for hosts who hate delegating, there are a few ways to share the load (and increase the fun) without losing your sanity.The Guardian’s journalism is independent
A meat-free Christmas: Chantelle Nicholson’s French mushroom pie, caramelised pear pud and more
Christmas for me began as a summertime celebration in New Zealand, with long days and warm evenings. Twenty-plus years on, the wintry cosiness of a UK Christmas has taken hold. Now, my essentials include perfectly crisp roast potatoes with plenty of gravy, and sprouts (non-negotiable). Even my young niece and nephew love them, which is a small victory I’m quietly proud of.Warm gougerès fresh from the oven are a pretty tricky thing to beat
10 of the best Australian sparkling wines for every budget
If my Spotify Wrapped is anything to go by, I’ve spent a suspicious amount of time with Phil Collins this year. While I’ve been listening to Another Day in Paradise, champagne prices have been climbing, and finding quaffable Australian traditional method sparkling under $30 is becoming more challenging, as local bubbles float up with their imported counterparts.Against all odds, there are still a few affordable, excellent Australian sparkling wines out there, along with many worth splashing out for. While I can’t promise these wines come with the same 80s flair as Phil Collins, they’re bottles I’ll be putting on high rotation over the festive season.1
Cosmopolitan Christmas: Stosie Madi’s French-African-Lebanese Christmas lunch – recipes
I was born in west Africa, and brought up between there, France and the UK in a French-Lebanese-British family. Unsurprisingly, then, our Christmas lunch was more than a bit diverse: my father always insisted on some British and Lebanese elements, while my mother contributed French dishes and technique; west African produce was also a must, because the house would be full of all nationalities, including our African family. Not only that, but our Christmas would invariably start with a guest list of about 20, and another 20 or so waifs and strays would always then turn up in need of feeding and watering. Today’s dishes were part of our regular seasonal festivities, as good in the sunshine as they are robust enough for a chilly British winter.Lebanese feasts always feature some form of pie, and sambouseks are tiny little ones with various fillings
From a showstopping pavlova to a £7 sherry: what top chefs bring to Christmas dinner
Looking for a great supermarket champagne? Need an easy recipe to take to a party? Or just some really good cheese… Yotam Ottolenghi, Giorgio Locatelli, Ixta Belfrage and others reveal the best snacks, drinks and desserts to make and buy for the big dayThe Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.Christmas is a time of overwhelming choice, especially when it comes to food. So, to help you navigate the festive feasting, we asked 16 top chefs and cooks to tell us what they buy or make to give to the people brave enough to invite them over
A fresh take on wine pairings for Christmas dessert
It may well be that you already have a drink that you traditionally like to sip on after dinner (or lunch), and who am I to tell you that needs to change? Even so, I have a few ideas for drinks you might like to try instead.The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.Let’s start with the classics
Motor neurone disease patients in England die waiting for home adaptations, campaigners say
People in poorest areas of England ‘more likely to need emergency care for lung conditions’
Prosecutions for strangulation in England and Wales increase sixfold in three years
Britons reported to be drinking less, as data shows consumption at record low
Resident doctors say they will resume talks to avoid further strikes with ‘can-do spirit’
One in eight of 14- to 17-year-olds in Great Britain say they have used nicotine pouches