Steel swoop nets 15 tonnes

Lead worth thousands of pounds was seized by police in Netherton as part of regionwide crackdown on metal thefts.

The seizure was made in Peartree Lane, yesterday during routine inquiries as part of Operation Steel.

A total of 15 one-tonne Hessian sack fuls of lead ball bearings were recovered from the site – thought to have total value of around £15,000.

The lead was found on the back of a lorry which was also seized during the operation. Police say they "strongly" believe the haul of lead is stolen.

A 31-year-old from West Bromwich was arrested. The man has now been released on bail pending further enquiries. Operation Steel forms part of a force wide effort to drive down the rising number of metal thefts taking place across the area.

Inspector Richard Jones today declined to reveal the name of the premises where the lead was found.

He said: "Operation Steel has been a success and as part of the operation we will continue to visit firms to remind them of their responsibilities when it comes to accepting metal from the public." The lead was taken to an address in Tipton while enquiries take place to find out if it was stolen.

Inspector Jones said that more than 150 people had been arrested since Operation Steel was launched and more would be made.

Last month officers arrested 20 people in a week as part of a co-ordinated day of action as part of Operation Steel, targeting known metal theft hotspots and scrap dealers in Wolverhampton, Coseley, Dudley, Great Bridge, Tipton, Oldbury, Smethwick, Walsall and Willenhall.

Anyone with information about yesterday's haul of lead, or who may be missing 15, one tonne, bags of lead shot, are asked to call police at Brierley Hill on 0845 113 5000.