A voluntary code of practice has been launched for companies involved in recycling metals that aims to reduce the risk of metals theft.
The British Metals Recycling Association and Association of Chief Police Officers joined forces to design five measures that they believe will help cut down on the growing levels of metal theft.
Commodities such as copper have risen significantly in price during recent months – this week the value of the base metal rose to beyond $8,500 (£5,385) per tonne for the first time in more than two years.
The code of practice sets out guidelines on how recyclers can improve their security and what they steps they should take if suspicions are raised of criminal activity.
Paul Crowther, ACPO lead on constructive metal theft, said: "The code will ensure police forces across England and Wales improve their industry understanding and work with the industry in a consistent manner."
This week, the BBC reported that there have been more than 5,000 thefts of copper and other valuable metals from railways, electricity networks and other such industrial facilities this year.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the recycling industry includes; elevators – bucket elevators – valves
