A huge rise in metal thefts has been described as the most serious threat to Britain's railways after terrorism. Thefts of metal from the railways, church roofs and even war memorial plaques has risen by more than 150 per cent in the last two years. Police forces across the country have launched a major two day crackdown on the illegal trade, which caused more than 2,500 hours of delays to rail commuters last year. Officers targeted suspected scrap yards and suspicious vehicles in an attmept to remove rogue traders from the industry. A rise in scrap metal prices, due to soaring demand from emerging economic powerhouses led by China and India, is said to be fuelling the crime. Black market cooper can fetch up to £4,000 per tonne, almost double the price in 2006, making 2p pieces more value when melted down for scrap. Assistant...
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