With the rash of scrap metal theft, basically anything that is not bolted down, and many things that are, it begs to wonder if all of these thieves could benefit from a stop theft class before wreaking havoc on society by stealing?

The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is one of the most entrusted and well-respected news organizations in the world. In their view, metal theft is a serious issue that goes far beyond simple theft.

Scrap metal is a world of cash payments, where no questions are asked and the risks are high. This is the world of dodgy scrap dealers who will happily pay for stolen metal.

It's a problem that's been with us for decades, but seems to be getting worse by the day. Will the days come where the military gets involved to stop the theft of railroad tracks?

Unfortunately, metal theft has soared and it affects many people - not least you, the commuter. Some call it a "recession crime", and economic conditions do play a part in it.

But it is also fuelled by high metal prices and an unregulated cowboy scrap metal trade, parts of which operate by a "no questions asked" code.

There's no shortage of scrap dealers willing to take it. It's now become similar to the drug scene, people grow drugs and take drugs and sell drugs, and there's a lot of money involved. Well, scrap metal has come up to that level, there's that amount of money involved that people take the risk for it. It's not just kids off the street, its middle-aged men with families that make a very, very good living out of it.

Here are some BBC figures about how metal theft has affected commuters in London.

How many hours of delays have been caused by metal theft?

• 2011 - 949 hours (40 days)
• 2010 - 237 hours (10 days)
• 2009 - 148 hours (six days)

That shows nearly a 700% increase in delays.

How much compensation has been paid out (to train companies) due to metal theft?

• 2011 - £3,608,892
• 2010 - £1,175,252
• 2009 - £373,799

That's nearly a 1,000% increase.

How many incidents of metal theft have there been?

• 2011 - 104
• 2010 - 71
• 2009 - 40

That's a 260% increase in incidents.

So what is the answer? Do governments need to start regulating this industry with government employees at every scrap yard, going over every delivery? Would a stop theft class help? It is hard to say. Basically, this is a much more serious problem that really needs to be addressed on a global level.