SCRAP metal thieves are being hunted by police in north Worcestershire.

Rubery police are now appealing for information following a raid in Hewell Road, Barnt Green.

Five pieces of scrap metal, described as 3ft by 4ft and painted white on one side, which were old caravan parts, were taken from the rear of the property at about 1.30pm on Friday, June 13.

A white LDV van containing two white men in their early 20s was seen leaving the site shortly before the theft was discovered.

PC Jenni Price, of Rubery Police, said: "We are appealing for anyone who saw these men acting suspiciously or saw the vehicle to contact us on 08457 444888 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."

West Mercia Constabulary launched Project Livewire last summer to tackle incidents of metal theft across the force area.

So far the initiative has brought at least 100 arrests and officers have recovered several amounts of metal.

The global price of certain metals means criminals are stealing whatever they can get their hands on and selling the items on for scrap. Road signs, drain covers and lead from school and church roofs have all been taken.

Police officers are visiting scrap dealers to check their books and also sharing information with neighbouring police forces and other organisations such as the Environment Agency.

The details have only just been released by the police.