The Government has announced a crackdown on rogue scrap-metal dealers to target the epidemic of beer keg thefts.
A new National Metal Theft Crime Unit, run by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), is being piloted for six weeks and will see police share best practice on catching thieves and tackling rogue dealers.
The scheme, part-funded by the Home Office, could be rolled out nationally after it is evaluated in March.
The unit will discuss ideas for tightening the law. Plans include new powers for police to issue closure orders on scrap dealers who handle stolen metal, and forcing dealers to report suspicious activity.
A Home Office spokesman said thefts of kegs were likely to be included in the new group's investigations.
ACPO lead on metal theft Paul Crowther said: "Police forces across the UK have devoted considerable re-sources to driving down this type of crime, through targeted policing, including intelligence-led operations, proactive patrols using dogs, and off-road motorbikes and scrap-yard visits.
"We hope this approach will enable us to make a real impact."
A spate of keg thefts has hit pubs and brewers in recent years, fuelled by rising metal costs and surging demand from China. Container supplier Trenstar has said thefts cost the industry a massive £50m per year.
British Beer & Pub Association director of communications Mark Hastings said: "It's very pleasing to see the authorities taking this issue seriously and sending a clear message that those people dealing illegally in kegs will be punished."
• For more information on keg security, or to report suspected thefts, call KegWatch on 0808 100 1945.