POLICE chiefs are calling for new powers to shut down scrap metal merchants who buy stolen copper wire.

Officers from the British Transport Police they are needed to tackle the increasing problem of metal theft.

Bolton has been hit by a number of high-profile metal thefts this year, including a raid on M & A Pharmaceutical in Wingates, in which thieves caused more than £100,000 of damage. Burglars have also caused serious damage to Harper Green Leisure Centre in Farnworth and left 400 homes without electricity when a sub-station was targeted in Westhoughton.

Dep Ch Cons Paul Crowther is now calling for senior police officers to have the power to close down scrap metal dealers who do not abide by industry standard working practices.

He said: “With the high price of metal on world markets at the moment, thieves who sell to willing or unwitting dealers are getting good returns for their criminal activity. Metal theft is far from a victimless crime and can cause enormous problems for local communities and industry.”

Police say the number of thefts is directly proportional to the price of metal, which fluctuates depending on demand.

BTP says stolen metal is usually exported via scrapyards, and often ends up in China, where copper is being stockpiled.

There has been a massive rise in metal thefts across the UK this year, including a record-breaking 300 incidents in April.

There have been 1,855 cablerelated incidents this year and BTP have made 500 arrests.

The association of chief police officers, with advice from the British Metal Recycling Association has now created a code of conduct for scrap metal dealers, which includes taking all reasonable steps not to buy stolen metal.