A new clampdown on the growing problem of metal theft, estimated to cost the country £360 million each year, was announced today by Home Office Minister Alan Campbell.

The new National Metal Theft Crime Unit is being piloted for six weeks to clamp down on rogue scrap metal dealers who are illegally handling metal stolen from church roofs, man-hole covers and even telephone lines.

The Unit, which will be run by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the British Transport Police (BTP) and jointly funded by the Home Office and the Energy Networks Association, will share best practice ideas with police forces throughout England and Wales to highlight the tools and powers available to tackle this problem.

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Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "Metal theft is not a victimless crime. It is a serious problem with consequences for business and infrastructure, from damaged electricity and telephone cables to leaking church roofs. Metal theft has even caused powercuts and closed rail lines.

"I look forward to seeing the results of the pilot for the new National Metal Theft Crime Unit."

The pilot will be evaluated at the end of March and then may be rolled out across the country.

(JM)(BMcC)