A SWANSEA Labour MP is calling on the UK Government to do more to tackle metal thefts.

Geraint Davies, member for the city's west, said thefts in Wales were dangerous and damaging to the local economy.

The Government is moving to stop cash payments to purchase scrap metal and increase fines for those that are found guilty.

Mr Davies is backing Labour's four-point plan to tackle Metal theft — which is also supported by British Transport Police, the Association of Chief Police Officers and Neighbourhood Watch.

This includes licensing scrap metal dealers, rather than current registration with local authority, and tougher police powers to close rogue traders down.

He said: "Households face repeated power cuts, commuters face increasing delays, churches and public buildings are being damaged, all as a result of escalating metal theft.

"The theft of electric wires is even putting lives at risk."