The men were reported acting suspiciously yesterday at former mine workings which form part of the Snailbeach Heritage Site in south Shropshire.
Officers were at the scene within minutes and arrested the men. They were taken into custody at Shrewsbury police station and their vehicle, a red Rover 214, seized.
The men, both aged 21 and from Shrewsbury, were subsequently charged with stealing two metal rail girders worth £500 belonging to Shropshire Council.
They have been given conditional bail to appear before Telford magistrates on August 6.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said today: “We were able to make quick arrests of the suspects thanks to information being promptly passed to us by a member of the public who thought a crime was taking place.
“We urge people to follow this example if they see anything suspicious. Contact the police straight away on 101 and if a crime is actually in progress, call 999.”
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