THIEVES who steal metal from buildings are being warned strong steps are being taken to halt their activities.

Police in Salisbury and across the county are cracking down on metal thefts and encouraging people to take steps to protect schools, churches, homes and businesses.

Officers have also been speaking with scrap metal dealers to remind them of their legal responsibilities in regard to recording items brought to their yards.

David McMullin, Salisbury sector commander with Wiltshire Police, said: "We are in contact with local scrap metal dealers who have a statutory requirement to record what metal is being scrapped and by whom.

"We will be working with the victims of this type of offence, offering crime prevention advice. People who do steal metal need to know that we are pursuing lines of enquiry to find out who they are."

People can also do their bit to protect themselves by using anti-theft devices such as smart water, which contains an invisible dye that becomes clearly visible in ultra-violet light and can be used to mark any type of belonging and will also be visible on anyone who touches it.