A COUNTY wide crackdown on metal thefts continues to be carried out by Cumbria Police.

Officers, in conjunction with partner agencies across the county, are visiting scrapyards to ensure a new cash free system is in place.  

Spot checks have also being carried out to ensure metal dealers have the correct identification documents.

Detective Chief Inspector Bob Qazi, who continues to lead metal theft operations in Cumbria, said: “Metal theft can have a substantial impact. Thieves tend to target areas which have large amounts of metal, such as community centres, schools or church’s. Repair can be expensive and the heartache caused to the community can be immeasurable.”

Less than two weeks ago, more than £1,400 worth of metal items, such as milk churns, tin sheeting and steel pipes were stolen from a farm in Brampton.  

PC Louise Mitchell said: “We are appealing for anyone who may have any knowledge of this crime to get in touch. The thieves will have been in the area for some time as a large number of items were stolen.

“A vehicle would have been used to transport the items. The sad thing is that it will cost the farmer considerably more to replace the items than the thieves will get at a metal dealer.”

If you see anything suspicious in your area, please contact Cumbria Police on 101 or if a crime is taking place, 999.

For any crime prevention advice ask to speak to your local community safety officer.