Police squad targets scrap metal thieves

A new police squad has been formed to fight the growing problem of metal theft which costs the country £360m every year.

The new National Metal Theft Crime Unit will target rogue scrap metal dealers who handle swiped materials like manhole covers and telephone lines.

The unit has been set up for a six-week trial period ahead of plans to roll it out nationally.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "Metal theft is not a victimless crime. It is a serious problem with consequences for business and infrastructure, from damaged electricity and telephone cables to leaking church roofs. Metal theft has even caused powercuts and closed rail lines."

Lindsay Millington of the British Metals Recycling Association said: "Metal recycling is a long established, globally successful industry with well established regulation. But metal theft is a major headache for our industry. There are too many criminals evading the rules and seeking to piggy-back the industry's success.

"We are meeting regularly with the police to help them understand how the industry operates. Joint action with other regulatory authorities to close down un-registered sites is an important first step."