Crackdown on scrap metal dealers

Metal thieves have targeted buildings, drains and railways

People are being asked to watch out for suspicious activity in a crackdown on illegal scrap metal dealers in Surrey.

The Safer Woking Partnership said such behaviour included people dismantling vehicles, or storing large amounts of industrial cabling on their property.

Councillor Beryl Hunwicks said back street dealers might be living "near or next door" to residents.

She said: "We've heard appalling stories of streets having their drain and man-hole covers stolen for cash."

And she added: "That's why we're appealing for information on these rogue traders who operate outside the law."

Copper cabling

Insp Lynette Shanks said: "We know that the theft of all types of scrap metal is up.

"We intend to crack down on anyone caught dealing illegally in scrap metal."

The Safer Woking Partnership said there had been an increase in reported thefts as thieves targeted metals including lead on school or church roofs, iron used for drain and man-hole covers, and copper cabling used in the railway and telecommunications industries.

It said thieves sold the stolen metal to intermediaries or "dealers", who in turn sold the metals for shipment abroad.

Under the Scrap Metal Dealers' Act 1964, any person or business dealing in scrap metal should be registered with their local council.