PEOPLE in Bridgwater are being warned of the soaring number of reported scrap metal thefts across the area.

Police across the Somerset West policing district will be targeting crooks after a marked increase in reports of metal thefts over the past few months.

Police say the increase, which reflect national trends, has led to a crackdown and now local officers will be teaming up with scrap metal dealers in the area to tackle the problem.

West Somerset Chief Inspector Yannis Georgiou said: "Metal thefts have been on the rise in recent months - there have been 22 in the Somerset West policing district in the last two weeks alone - and we are determined to prevent this type of crime from continuing.

"Over the coming weeks, officers across Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater, Burnham, Williton, Dulverton and Minehead will be stepping up patrols in hot spot areas and making visits to local scrap dealers to offer advice and support.

“We are also looking at implementing a long term solution to this problem."

Police are also urging residents in the town to report any suspicious activity - particularly around uninhabited and commercial buildings.

Neighbourhood policing teams will be paying a series of visits to areas at high risk, including churches, schools, commercial outlets and some older residential properties, and plan to offer specific crime prevention advice.

Insp Georgiou added: "If you own a property that could be vulnerable to metal theft, we advise that you consider implementing security measures.”

For more information contact the Safer, Stronger Neighbourhood Team on 0845-4567000.