South Yorkshire Police is warning potential metal thieves to scrap any ideas of stealing metal.

Today the Force is taking part in a national day of action to send a clear message that metal and cable theft is unacceptable and police and industry are working together to address the problem.

On 24 and 25 May, SYP carried out a separate two-day operation throughout the county targeting metal theft which resulted in the recovery of seventeen tonnes of suspected stolen metal valued in excess of £130,000.

Eight people were arrested for metal theft and others were given fixed penalty notices for offences including no insurance, no seatbelt and speeding. Over 130 vehicles were stopped and checked of which three were seized. Twenty-seven people were reported for failing to have waste carrier licences.

At a scrap metal dealers in Mexborough a quantity of copper wire was recovered with traces of SmartWater. SmartWater is an invisible liquid containing a forensic signature that is painted onto valuable items. Invisible to the naked eye, it shows up when held under ultraviolet light so that police can identify the rightful owner of any stolen property and return it. This is now under investigation.

SYP’s lead for metal theft Detective Superintendent Bill Hotchkiss said: "Metal theft is becoming a growing issue for police, partners and local businesses. This operation demonstrates our commitment to tackle the problem.

"Criminals stealing metal and anyone who purchases stolen metals can expect to be arrested and face prosecution.

"The Force will continue to carry out operations like this and we will be increasing our patrols on major roads and around scrap metal dealers. Officers will be stopping vehicles suspected of carrying stolen metal.

"We recognise the impact this problem has on communities and local businesses and we are committed to bring these offenders to justice.

"The risks of stealing metal from dangerous locations such as railways, electricity substations and high buildings are not worth it."

The operation was supported by partners from the local authority, BT, National Grid, Inland Revenue, VOSA, Environment Agency, SmartWater and the Department of Work and Pensions.

Additional staff were drafted in from the Regional Roads Policing Group and British Transport Police to support SYP officers during the operation.