 Officers said copper, aluminium and steel could fetch high prices |
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of stealing scrap metal within hours of police launching a campaign to tackle the crime. West Mercia Police said rising prices of metals had led thieves to take pipes, manhole covers and road signs.
As part of Project Livewire officers are urging metal dealers to contact them if they receive suspicious goods.
The five were arrested near the former British Sugar factory in Stourport, Worcestershire, on Monday afternoon.
The men, all from the West Midlands area, were released on bail.
Officers said copper, aluminium and steel could fetch high prices, and thieves were targeting building sites, churches, schools, farms, factories and other sites to get the metal.
Organised criminal groups
The police force said as part of Project Livewire officers would be checking the books of scrap metal dealers and encouraging them to license their businesses.
Stop checks will also be carried out on vehicles carrying metal and drivers will be asked for documents proving where the metal comes from.
Acting Det Insp Mark Stringer said a large metal theft from a company could put it out of business.
He said: "Some of the larger thefts are being carried out by organised criminal groups operating at a national level, although we have recorded a number of opportunistic crimes.
"We are determined to arrest and prosecute offenders who handle stolen metal and those who appear before the courts can also expect to have their assets seized."
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