Crackdown on scrap metal thefts

The rising price of copper and metal has led to metal theft becoming one of the fastest growing crimes in the country, with thieves stealing anything from man hole covers to electric cabling and lead from houses, churches, businesses and schools.

Officers from Humberside Police are now working with the local authority and colleagues from British Transport Police to make sure scrap metal dealers are not aiding the black market.

Chief Insp Simon Walker said: “Police have launched the initiative to enable us to work closer with scrap metal dealers and to ensure that they are adhering current legislation and supporting police in the challenges we face.

“This is no easy challenge and officers across North Lincolnshire will be approaching people who are equipped with what appears to be stolen metal and challenging them to establish where it came from. Those who appear to have no valid reason for the metal will be arrested.”