Drivers face spot checks over Powys metal thefts
Police are starting random spot checks on motorists after nearly 70 scrap metal thefts in Powys in a little over six months.
Dyfed-Powys Police said there had been 67 offences between 1 April and 1 November this year.
Officers are working with neighbouring forces to combat the increasing number of incidents.
Last month, 19 cast-iron drain covers worth £6,500 were stolen overnight from rural roads near Newtown.
Police said the majority of the 67 thefts had taken place at "unsecured or uninhabited locations", such as building sites.
They urged the public not to leave metal on show in remote areas, called on people not to buy large amounts in one go and warned them never to buy it privately.
Officers also advised people to use protective marking such as Smartwater, a liquid forensic coding system.
Sgt Kelvin Briggs said: "We have increased patrols and stop checks in the areas targeted to combat the issue.
"In addition, we are collaborating with neighbouring police forces to ensure intelligence sharing is utilised effectively and key suspects identified who operate as travelling criminals."
People with information on the theft of metal or have seen anything suspicious can contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101.