THIEVES cashing in on rising scrap metal prices are being targeted by police as part of an East Lancashire crime crack down.

Thefts of metal, particularly copper and lead, have been on the increase due to the rocketing value of the materials.

Officers from the Eastern and Pennine divisions will now join forces to carry out Operation Metal Mickey, which will focus on criminals using road networks and scrap dealing merchants to offload their stolen goods.

Specialist officers from operational support units, road policing and neighbourhood policing teams will be working alongside Customs and Excise and a number of other agencies throughout the operation which will run until October.

Police will be using sophisticated Automatic Number Place Recognition systems to target travelling criminals. Neighbourhood officers will be visiting vulnerable locations to offer reassurance and crime prevention advice.

Blackburn's Insp Oliver Jones, who is running the operation, said: “Metal theft is not only a problem in East Lancashire but all over the country due to the increasing value of scrap metal.

“This is just the start of a wider operation which will target people that seek to profit from crime by way of cashing in at local dealers. Anyone found in possession of stolen scrap metal can expect to be dealt with robustly."

He added: "Metal theft affects homeowners, who have lead stolen from their roofs, it affects businesses and it could be dangerous for the offenders.

Officers in Pennine division have already arrested two people and seized seven vehicles, after stopping 85 cars, vans and lorries on Thursday.

Insp Russ Procter, from Pendle Police, said: “We are extremely pleased with the results so far and the fact that we believe we have caused severe disruption for those involved in this criminal activity.”

Anyone with information about scrap metal theft or who sees anything suspicious is urged to contact police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.