Suspects arrested in metal theft case

Police have arrested two men and a youth following the latest spate of suspected metal thefts in Telford.

They were arrested as part of an ongoing initiative to crack down on metal crimes, after they were discovered at disused premises in Halesfield.

Telford police were called to the empty industrial site in Halesfield 1 after reports three males had entered the property.

Two men - one aged 20 and one aged 19 - and a male youth were arrested on suspicion of theft.

Chris Ammonds, Telford police spokesman, said: "On arriving at the premises, officers discovered a point of entry and arrested three individuals at the scene.

"The three individuals - all from the Telford area - have since been released on police bail and are due to return to Malinsgate police station in October."

The three were discovered on Friday, shortly after 2pm.

The arrest is the latest for Project Livewire, West Mercia Police's initiative to tackle metal theft across the force area. More than 200 people have been arrested since the start of the campaign in July last year.

Metal thefts are said to be costing the economy £360 million every year. Reports said theft of metal has risen by 150 per cent in the last two years.

Anyone with information about metal theft is asked to call police on 08457 444888.