INDIANAPOLIS -- A new initiative aimed at keeping tabs on metal thefts will include a citywide database to track where precious metals are being taken.

It's a joint venture between Indianapolis police, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the University of Indianapolis and Omni Source, which operates several area scrap yards, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

Indianapolis police said they've already been tracking specific metal theft cases, logging 450 thefts in just the first two months of the year.

Now, officers will work with the University of Indianapolis to create a new database to show where thefts are happening and, eventually, how to prevent them.

"Now we'll have some concrete way of saying, 'OK, this is what they're taking, and this is what we need to be looking for," said IMPD North District's Maj. Dave Allender.

As part of the new initiative, officers will visit Omni Source scrap yards to ask people where they obtained their precious metals.

The system will also alert the businesses when items are stolen.