METAL merchants have joined up with police in a crackdown on thieves – by not accepting scrap from people in taxis, on foot or on bikes.

Four businesses have signed up to a scheme led by Cheshire Police's officers in Crewe in a bid to stamp out illegal deals.

Garratts in Nantwich, Sandbach Car and Commercial Dismantlers, Enviro Skip at Radway Green and Houston and Sons in Crewe have all signed up.

Posters will be displayed in each of the premises and workers have agreed to take down the names, addresses and number plates of anyone selling metal to them.

Paul Anubla, a manager at Sandbach Car and Commercial Dismantlers, said: "We do get people bringing in stolen metal sometimes, but we don't accept anything unless they have relevant information about where it came from. Some people do also walk in with scrap metal.

"This is a proactive campaign which can't do any harm to raise awareness.

"Scrap metal dealers are often seen as dodgy, but it is a multi-million pound business and I hope this will help people to realise who the reputable firms are."

An increase in thefts has coincided with the rising value of scrap, the global recession and increased demand for the metal in developing countries like China and India.

Sergeant Adam Cooper said: "Cheshire East has experienced all forms of metal thefts including lead flashing from roofs, copper piping from derelict houses and commercial premises and grid covers from the road side.

"We have been carrying out operations to tackle the issue including test sales at scrap metal dealers and educating scrap metal dealers to make it harder for thieves to sell their ill-gotten gains.

"This scheme goes a step further by making it even more difficult for criminals. If a dealer arrives in a taxi, on foot or by bike, they will be turned away."

Last year, thieves stole more than 50 drain covers from roads in Crewe so they could be cashed in.

And scrap metal thieves struck 500 times across North Staffordshire in the six months to September last year.

Staffordshire Police run regular operations under 'Operation Amalgam' to tackle the problem.

Officers target waste carrying vehicles and arrest occupants if there is evidence they are committing a criminal offence, such as handling stolen property.

They also work closely with local businesses, routinely visiting merchants to ensure they are vigilant when they accept scrap.

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