ESSENTIAL fire safety equipment is thought to have been stolen for its scrap metal value from blocks of flats across the borough.

Fire Brigade bosses have warned of the dangers associated with the loss of the dry riser valves, which are used to attach hoses to the water mains.

More than 50 brass valves have been stolen by “mindless individuals” since December in a series of incidents across 17 blocks of flats managed by Barnet Homes.

It is thought the attachments are being taken for their scrap metal value, which is only a few pounds each, although it is costing the management company almost £200 to replace each one.

Barnet Homes chief executive Tracey Lees said: “It beggars belief how anyone could be so stupid or so callous to steal fire safety equipment from residential properties.

“These people are seriously endangering people’s lives for the sake of just a few pounds.

“We’ve been working extremely hard to improve fire safety at our blocks of flats, but all of this work is being undermined by a few mindless individuals.”

The valves, which are located on every level of a block of flats, ensure water can be pumped into the upper floors in the event of a fire.

The thefts come after fire safety experts warned last October that each of the 28 high rise premises in the borough are rated as “high risk” of fire, although Ms Lees said at the time they were taking action to address the issues.

Barnet Fire Borough Commander, Tom George, said: “Defective dry risers can hamper our ability to deal quickly with fires, and in a fire every second counts.

“This is a very serious issue. I’d encourage anyone with any information about these thefts to call Barnet Homes.”

The costs to replace the valves has to be covered in part from tenants’ rents and leaseholders’ service charges, said Ms Lees, who also urged anyone with information about the thefts to come forward.

All the thefts have been reported to Barnet police and Barnet Homes is considering options to deter further thefts, such as spot welding the valves, Ms Lees added.

Anyone with information about thefts of dry riser valves should call Barnet Homes on 0800 3895225.