A CAMPAIGN to tackle thefts of metal across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire has been launched by police.

Criminals have been targeting building sites, farms, churches, schools, HGVs and a variety of other sources in the three counties to steal metal such as copper, aluminium and steel. Items such as pipes, road drain covers and even road signs are being taken.

In the West Mercia area there were 413 metal theft offences during 2006/07, almost 60 per cent up on the previous year. The value of materials stolen amounted to more than a million pounds.

In response, West Mercia Constabulary has launched Project Livewire.

Acting Detective Inspector Mark Stringer, from West Mercia Constabulary's Force Intelligence Bureau, said a significant increase in global demand for non-ferrous metals had been reflected in significant increases in price and scrap values.

He said: "Metal thefts only account for about one per cent of total crime for the force, however it is a problem which is on the rise and a large theft from a company premises could put them out of business and mean the loss of jobs and livelihoods.

"We want the public to call us with information if they see metal being stolen or have information about someone trying to sell metal in suspicious circumstances. Some of the larger thefts are carried out by organised criminal groups operating at a national level, although we have recorded a number of opportunistic crimes.

"We are determined to arrest and prosecute offenders who handle stolen metal and those who appear before the courts can also expect to have their assets seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act."

Police are working to improve the flow of information between partners such as the Environment Agency and local authorities to establish patterns of crime and what can be done to prevent and detect offences. Part of Project Livewire involves officers visiting scrap metal dealers to inspect their books and encourage their business to become licensed.

Stop checks will be carried out on vehicles transporting metal and police officers will be checking drivers for the correct documentation.

West Mercia Constabulary is urging businesses to think about protecting their property to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Offenders often visit premises to plan a theft beforehand and many thefts take place at weekends when premises may be empty.