Fresh powers sought to tackle epidemic of cable thefts

Metal theft incidents recorded by British Transport Police (BTP) have risen significantly in 2010, with a new record of almost 300 reported in April alone. In the year to date, BTP has recorded 1,855 cable-related offences and made almost 500 arrests.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Crowther says senior police officers should have more powers to close down scrap metal dealers who fail to meet industry standards.

"We need the powers to tackle the heart of this problem effectively, allowing us to shut down scrap metal dealers who continue to flout the law and provide a market for thieves through buying and selling stolen metal," he said.

"With the high price of metal on world markets at the moment, thieves who sell to willing or unwitting dealers are getting good returns for their criminal activity.

"Metal theft is far from a victimless crime and can cause enormous problems for local communities and industry."

BTP and forces around the country have been working hard to tackle the thefts and an Association of Chief Police Officers' group, which also includes representatives from the British Metal Recycling Association (BMRA), has helped draft a code of conduct for scrap metal dealer setting out conditions to ensure stolen metals are not bought – such as making all payments to a named account and only accepting metals from those with sufficient identity and ownership proof.

The calls come just days after electricity company CE Electric UK warned the number of copper thefts was reaching "epidemic proportions" after raids left hundreds of Sheffield homes without electricity.

And last month, cable thieves caused 100,000 of damage to a railway line near Hambleton South Junction at Selby.