Five arrests are made in major metal thefts blitz

Five people have been arrested in a major blitz on suspected metal thieves operating through dealers across Shropshire and the West Midlands.

The police clampdown saw officers visit 30 scrap metal dealers across the West Mercia Police area.

Two men were arrested in Whitchurch on suspicion of handling stolen goods and for going equipped after being found with metal on them and tools thought to be involved in the theft of metal.

Three men were arrested separately in Telford, Ludlow and Droitwich, on suspicion of theft after being found in possession of metal which was believed to have been stolen.

All five have been released on police bail.

Following visits to scrap metal dealers in Herefordshire and Telford & Wrekin, two tonnes of stolen electrical cable, stolen optical fibre, property belonging to Network Rail and Western Power, and items that had been coated in Smartwater were all seized.

Detective Sergeant Dave Clews from the Force Intelligence Bureau said: "Metal thieves cause misery for countless thousands of people across the country.

"I hope this operation sends a clear message to anyone involved in this type of crime that we will act on the information we receive and come after you if we suspect you are involved in the theft of metal."