It has emerged that a security company are hiring former Gurkhas in an effort to defend railways from scrap metal thieves after thefts of various metals began to hit epidemic proportions.

The hiring of the former soldiers, who are well known for their dedication and loyalty, is being made as a response to the criminal gangs who are not only targeting railways, but also war memorials and churches.

The problem has become so widespread that even the Prime Minister David Cameron has felt the need to talk about it, stating in the House of Commons recently that “The theft of metal, particularly from war memorials, is an absolutely sickening and disgusting crime.”

The Gurkhas, who are understood to have been hired by the security firm G4S, are being located to various hot spots across the country, specifically in north east England.

The company hires more than 600 former Gurkha employees and is managed by former army officers. They specialise specifically in metal theft prevention for railways and networks.

John Whitwam, managing director of G4S Gurkha Services commented “We use Gurkhas because of their commitment, vigilance and robustness.

“We employ them in teams which mirrors the hierarchy which they experienced in the army. We think they are an appropriate response to a situation which is only now being understood.”