Police clamp down on metal thefts

A police operation to tackle a growing number of incidents of metal theft in Wiltshire has begun.

Gas pipes, copper or bronze statues and church lightning conductors were among items reported stolen in recent months.

Officers working under Operation Herald will liaise with scrap metal dealers and stage awareness campaigns to help tackle the problem.

Police said they would also be offering theft prevention advice and guidance to the public.

"We aim to work with local scrap metal dealers to remind them of their responsibilities when it comes to accepting metal from the public," said acting Det Insp Lindsey Winter.