Police have visited 82 scrap yards and metal dealers as part of a week of action to tackle scrap metal thieves.
The operation saw officers from Lancashire Constabulary also carry out 164 roadside checks of vehicles involved in the transportation of metal.
Seven people were arrested for theft and drugs offences and 16 vehicles were taken off the road for having no insurance and for defects such as tyres and lighting.
Eight motorists were reported for having no license to carry scrap metal.
The activity was carried out during a regional week of action which was led by British Transport Police working in partnership with local authorities and The Department for Work and Pensions.
Chief Inspector Joanne McHugh, who coordinated the operation in Lancashire, said: “The theft of metal costs individuals and businesses thousands of pounds each year. It can also be dangerous with thieves risking life and limb to steal pipes and cables.
“Operations such as this are useful to remind scrap metal dealers and carriers of their responsibilities when receiving scrap metal.”
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