Metal thieves struck 13 times at Shropshire schools in the last financial year – costing taxpayers about £22,000.

And it is estimated that the rise in the number of thefts of metal drain covers in the county has cost Shropshire Council up to £50,000 during the same period. Between 200 and 250 covers have been stolen since April with each one costing about £200 to replace.

The previous financial year the number of drain cover thefts was between 100 and 150.

The figures were revealed as MPs lead a call for changes to the law that controls the scrap metal trade, which has cost the West Midlands £35 million over the past four years.

There were 30,000 incidents reported across the region, according to figures contained in a Freedom of Information request.

West Mercia Police recorded a 95 per cent rise in reported metal thefts in 2011/12, compared to 2009/10.

Churches, railway depots and homes have also been targeted, with English Heritage issuing new guidelines to church leaders.

British Transport Police have described metal theft as ‘second only to terrorism’ when it comes to its priorities.

Incidents in the county saw Burton Borough School, in Newport, being forced to close temporarily last year after thieves damaged the roof while trying to steal metal, while earlier this month hooded thieves climbed on to the roof of Newport Fire Station in an attempt to strip it of lead. They left empty-handed after being disturbed.

In Powys, police said they were dealing with an average of 30 metal thefts a month last year.

On Friday, a Private Member’s Bill will go before Parliament to better regulate the scrap metal trade, which has mushroomed with the rise in metal prices.

At the heart of the proposals is a call to outlaw metal dealers from making cash payments in return for scrap.

Stricter identification checks for those selling metal to scrap dealers are also being recommended.

A Shropshire Council spokesman urged the public to play a role in stopping metal thefts. “We urge members of the public to call the police on the 101 non-emergency number immediately if they see anything suspicious,” he added.

“Information can also be given to the Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.”