Police seized copper cabling, worth thousands of pounds, which had been dumped on wasteground in Bradford.

Patrolling officers spotted the haul of suspected stolen steel cabling on land off Farway on the Holme Wood estate.

Sergeant John Metcalfe, of the Tong and Wyke Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Officers on routine patrol came across the cabling and arranged for it to be transported away.

“It is possible that it had been dumped ready to be set alight in order to attempt removal of the armoured casing. This is potentially thousands of pounds worth of metal which has been recovered, thanks to the diligence and alertness of these officers.

“It is highly probable that this cable has been stolen from a work site in the area and a vehicle used to carry it due to the weight.

“The fact that it has protective casing also suggests it could be for industrial use, possibly underground.

“I would ask any witnesses or anyone with information as to how this cable has come to be dumped in Farway, to get in touch.

“If a local company has had such material stolen, they can call the non-emergency number 101.”

The discovery comes as the Diocese of Bradford revealed that many district churches have suffered from metal theft.

A Diocese spokesman said lightning conductors or lead flashings were usually stolen.

“There can be a huge knock-on effect from one act of thoughtless vandalism,” the spokesman said.

“The clergy have to submit insurance claims, install alarms, ensure that water cannot enter the building through the damage caused, and involve their architects and other professionals as they consider the best way forward.

“The whole community suffers as in some cases the buildings have to be closed for health and safety reasons which affects community activities, weddings and funerals, centres for young children and the elderly.

“If flashings are stripped from the roof it only needs a rainfall or strong wind and the consequent damage for the church interior can be quite serious.”