NINE people have been arrested and one-and-a-half tons of copper cable seized as police across the region crack down on thieves stealing metal for scrap.

Triggered by rising scrap prices, thefts have rocketed in recent months – prompting calls for tougher laws.

The Durham and Cleveland police forces jointly launched Operation Hansell aimed at combating the crime.

The arrests were made in County Durham on Wednesday and Thursday, and scrapyards in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool were raided on Thursday.

Chief Superintendent Dave Orford, head of Operation Hansell, praised the public, saying all the arrests had come following tip-offs.

“Metal theft is a major problem, not just in the North-East but across the UK. It accounts for about ten per cent of all recorded crime in our area.

“By working together, we can make a real difference and I am very encouraged by the fact local people are clearly supporting the police and providing valuable tip-offs.”

Four men were arrested on suspicion of digging up copper cabling at a landfill site near West Rainton, Durham, on Wednesday.

The men, who are from the Durham and Fencehouses areas and aged 23 to 64, have been charged with attempted theft and will appear before Consett magistrates on Thursday, November 3.

Four teenagers were arrested in Tanfield Woods, near Stanley, on Thursday, suspected of having stolen lead flashing from houses in Tanfield Lea less than an hour earlier. They were due to be interviewed by police last night.

Finally, a man was arrested in Coast Road, Blackhall, east Durham, after metal gates reported stolen from nearby were found on the back of a flatbed truck. He was bailed pending further inquiries.

The scrapyard raids were conducted with support from British Transport Police, CE Electric, BT Openreach, Virgin Media and Network Rail.

Temporary Sergeant Darren Cawthorne, who heads Cleveland Police’s Operation Hansell team, said: “This recovery should send out the message that Operation Hansell is coming down hard on metal theft.”

􀁧 Northumbria Police last night appealed for witnesses after metal cable was stolen from Mary Avenue, in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, between Sunday and Thursday.

Call 03456-043-043.