Staying one step ahead of the fireplace thieves

Property owners in Scotland have become so fed up with criminals breaking in and stealing antique chimney pieces that they are having them removed and advertising their properties as "fireplace free zones".

The bizarre crime prevention measure follows a spate of burglaries in Edinburgh in which gangs of thieves have ripped out fire surrounds which can be worth up to pounds 20,000.

Georgian homes in Edinburgh and old city-centre businesses, particularly in the financial section, have been targeted in the past eight months. The most sought-after designs are by the famous 18th-century Scottish architect Robert Adam.

Many businesses in the centre of Edinburgh have relocated to green field sites, leaving their former premises empty. These have them become an easy target for the fireplace crooks.

The combined cost of the damage caused by the break-in, having the fireplace torn from the wall, and the loss of the chimney piece itself have persuaded some property owners to remove the item of desire before the criminals arrive.

Once the fireplaces have been stored at a secure location the owners have been placing cards in the windows informing would be burglars not to bother.

Warning notices for criminals are already used by motorists to try and prevent thieves smashing their car windows in search of hi-fi equipment. The next stage could be individuals hanging a sign around their necks saying "don't mug, no money".