SOARING scrap metal theft in East Lancashire has seen the number of incidents double.

A week-long Operation Starling has involved officers and other agencies attempt to bring the issue under control after police released alarming figures.

In the 12 months up to March 2011 there were 811 thefts in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, compared to 410 the previous year.

Likewise, in Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley there were 809 this year compared to 441 in 2009-2010.

In Southern division, which covers Chorley, thefts rocketed from 162 up to 406.

Lancashire Police, the Environment Agency, British Transport Police, VOSA, HM Revenue and Customs, and the Department for Work and Pensions have teamed up to visit scrap metal yards, rogue dealers and carry out roadside checks.

East Lancashire has suffered from cable theft on the train lines in recent months, causing chaos to services. Lead flashing, copper boilers and piping thefts are also common.

Up to Friday afternoon, officers in Pennine had stopped and searched 14 vehicles, six people, visited four scrap yards and seized three vehicles for being unroadworthy. There were no arrests, but nine people were fined.

Police also dropped in on scrap yards in Blackburn and Chorley.

Officers have used SmartWater torches which show up unique anti-theft marking on the metal.

Supt Steve Pemberton said: “The theft of metal costs individuals and businesses thousands of pounds each year - it is not a victimless crime.

"Not only that, but stealing metal can be dangerous with thieves risking life and limb to steal cables and pipes.

“We will continue to pursue offenders and endeavour to bring them to justice.

"We will also make use of new hi-tech marking systems which make it easier for us to identify stolen metals.”