A man was caught attempting to dig up and steal metal cables at the former Hanson's brickworks off Wombwell Lane at Stairfoot.
Police disturbed the 36-year-old on Thursday and gave him a caution.
Officers are focussing resources on areas near the Trans-Pennine trail at Stairfoot after residents said it was one of the priority areas.
Hanson's was 'mothballed' three years ago because the economic crisis. The company has now closed the site.
