Cheshire Police have stepped up their fight in the war on metal thieves by joining a national day of action.

In recent months the Unitarian Chapel at Quarry Bank Mill in Styal has had lead stolen from its roof and the village's post office was targeted twice in two weeks.

Today, Wilmslow officers are working in tandem with forces across the country to curb the thefts.

Chris Brierley, chief inspector, said: "The Eastern area has experienced a sharp rise in all forms of metal thefts including lead flashing from roofs, copper piping from derelict houses and commercial premises and grid covers from the road side. We have been carrying out operations to tackle the issue including test sales at scrap metal dealers and educating scrap metal dealers to make it harder for thieves to sell their ill gotten gains.

"We will be visiting scrap metal dealers across east Cheshire with Trading Standards giving out information packs explaining the law surrounding dealing scrap metal.

"Random spot checks will then be made to ensure they are upholding the law."

Officers will stop and check vehicles travelling to scrap dealers in the area.

Vehicles will be searched and drivers’ details taken, while scrapyards will also be visited to make sure employees were taking the correct details from those selling metal.

Scrap dealers who don’t correctly record details of metal they buy can be prosecuted under the Scrap Metals Act.

If you have any information in relation to metal thefts contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.