A CAMPAIGN targeting metal thieves in Cheshire took to the streets on Friday in a direct effort to combat the increasing trend.

Cheshire Police joined forces across the country in a national day of action after recent months have seen a significant rise in number of reported metal thefts.

Sgt Lesley Anderson said: “It is a national problem but it seems to be a growing problem too which is why we are keen to proactively tackle it.

“We want the community to see what we are doing - we are aware that people may be selling metal in this area.

“Our officers have been looking at any vehicle that may look suspicious to them.”

During the operation, which was set up in a lay by on New Warrington Road, police stopped 41 vehicles, seizing four, reported three for no insurance and one for not carrying the correct licence.

The campaign also involved representatives from VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency), DVLA, the Environment Agency and Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Streetscene who all work alongside the police to determine whether vehicles are correctly licensed and roadworthy.

SmartWater representatives were also on site checking vehicles loaded with scrap metal for traces of a new liquid technology used to catch criminals.

The liquid, which carries a unique forensic code, is being used by more and more businesses across the UK to help them protect their property.

Dave Betts, SmartWater consultant, said: “We are telling the criminal fraternity to not go near this stuff – if you are caught you will be convicted.

“Every solution has its own forensic code so we can trace it back to not only to the owner but where exactly it has been stolen from.

“Almost all of the school’s in Cheshire now use it.”

The water is used not only to mark property but as a spray and can be detected under a simple UV light. Conviction rates when the water is used in evidence currently stands at 100 per cent.

CHESHIRE has seen a rise in the number of metal thefts not only from businesses but homeowners too.

In recent weeks 24 arrests have been made and metal has been recovered from businesses, public buildings and vehicles. Copper cabling from railways and lead cladding from bay windows are also being targeted.

DCI Brian Roberts said these types of thefts are far from victimless.

He added: “With the increase in price of scrap metal, thieves are stealing whatever they can get their hands on, without thinking about the consequences for others.

“Thieves often operate on the premises that the crime is almost victimless and no-one, other than large corporations, suffers as a result of their activity. This could not be further from the truth.

“Metal theft can disrupt rail networks, telephone lines, internet services, and almost always cause insurance premiums to rise.”

Anyone with information in relation to metal thefts in the Western area should contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.