Metal thefts hit region
This huge haul of stolen aluminium was recovered by police from the back of a van amid warnings of an epidemic of metal thefts across the Black Country.
The ingots and beer barrels, thought to be worth thousands of pounds, were discovered during a routine check in Bilston.
The find comes just weeks after it emerged that violent gangs were launching terrifying attacks on firms across the region to steal valuable copper, bronze and stainless steel.
One Wolverhampton insurance company said it was handling reported losses of up to £200,000 every week.
Soaring metal prices on the world markets, pushed up by demand from China and the Far East, have made metals, blanks and even finished engineering goods top targets for thieves.
The latest haul was discovered when officers pulled over the white Transit-type van in Bradley Lane, Bilston, on Monday morning.
The driver was arrested and police are trying to trace the metal's owners.
Sgt Paul Richards, from the Low Hill-based road policing unit, said crooks could have been trying to cash in on the theft at a scrap metal dealer.
He said: "We've seen an increase in metal thefts in recent months because of the increase in price of metals such as copper.
"Any metal merchant who has been offered anything which they don't feel is right should contact us straight away.
"We're advising stockholders of metals to make sure their security is as good as it can be and up to a good standard. If they've got any concerns they can contact us."
In one previous attack in the West Midlands, thieves got away with £130,000 worth of stainless steel while in another, two security guards were so traumatised they quit their jobs.
One had his personal possessions stolen and the other had his car taken by the thugs.
Anyone who thinks the metal pictured might be theirs should contact Wednesfield police on 0845 113 5000.
* Has your firm been hit by metal theft? Contact our reporters on 01902 319495 or post your comments below.
