UKLPG hails cylinder theft prosecution
Trade body, UKLPG, has welcomed a successful gas cylinder theft prosecution following a string of arrests made by the British Transport Police (BTP) in December 2014.
The prosecution reinforces the consequences of mishandling cylinders, from both a legal and safety standpoint.
Rob Shuttleworth, chief executive of UKLPG, said: “LPG cylinders are portable, convenient and have a very good safety record, which is why they are used so widely in the UK to provide heat and power. However, they should not be tampered with or transported without proper attention to safety. This includes the misguided trend for converting cylinders into wood burners or home decorations.
“Gas cylinders are also designed for reuse upon return and remain the property of the gas company throughout, so should not be exported, transported or sold without the express permission of the owner.”
The defendant in the recent case pled guilty to theft, dangerous transportation and dangerous shipping and has started an eight-month prison term for attempting to transport more than 400 empty gas cylinders from the UK to Ghana. The National Metal Theft Team of the British Transport Police made the arrest.
Shuttleworth continued: “The outcome of this case is significant, as it shows that the law enforcement agencies and LPG industry are serious about prosecuting people who steal or misuse gas cylinders. The risk of damage, injury or explosion when cylinders are not handled appropriately should not be ignored and this case shows that there are real consequences for breaking the law.”
