MINISTERS have unveiled new measures to tackle scrap metal thefts that cause misery for rail commuters.

First Great Western said it had to cancel 381 services in 2011 because of cable thieves, which caused a total of 26,871 minutes of delays.

Yesterday the government announced it would force scrap metal dealers out of business if they could be linked to thefts.

It came after a house of Commons debate heard about an epidemic of "despicable crimes" including churches targeted, every instrument stolen from a brass band, door-knockers from old people's homes, and memorials for fisherman lost at sea.

Environment Minister Lord Taylor said anyone convicted in relation to metal theft would be barred from working in the industry, while anyone caught transporting stolen metal could face losing their licence.

Lord Taylor said: "Stolen metal will be too hot to handle. Mindless criminals who steal from our railways and historic buildings, and the scrap dealers who fuel the market, are causing misery for countless people.

"We'll purge the industry of rotten elements by flushing them out of legitimate businesses, or shutting dodgy businesses down altogether."

First Great Western said the 117 incidents of metal theft in 2011 was up from 88 in 2010 and 61 in 2009.

Backbench MPs called for a licensing scheme for scrap metal merchants and tougher powers for police.