South Yorkshire Police is warning potential metal thieves that ‘steeling’ metal will not be tolerated.

Yesterday, 13 people were arrested in South Yorkshire during a national day of action targeting metal theft.

Metal and cable theft is unacceptable and police and a variety of industries are working together to address the rise of thefts from railways, businesses, utilities substations, houses and even manhole covers throughout the UK over the last six months.

During the operation in South Yorkshire two people were arrested on suspicion of stealing £3,000 worth of copper cable, one person was arrested for driving whilst disqualified and another was arrested on warrant.

One person was arrested for theft of security gates, having no driving licence and insurance and for cultivating cannabis. Two thousand pounds and five cannabis plants were also seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

One person was arrested for metal theft and four others were arrested for the theft of £500 worth of copper cable.

Two people were arrested for theft of metal valued at approximately £100 and one person was arrested for theft of copper piping and an air conditioning unit valued at £2,000.

Throughout the day six vehicles were seized, three non-payment of fine warrants were issued and over £200 was recovered, four endorsable penalty notices and six non-endorsable penalty notices were issued. Nineteen prohibition notices were served on unroadworthy vehicles.

SYP’s lead for metal theft Detective Superintendent Bill Hotchikiss said: "Yesterday's operation shows that criminals stealing metal and anyone who purchases stolen metal can expect to be arrested and face prosecution.

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

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

"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."