Police hail success of scrapyard sweep

Almost 60 officers visited South Yorkshire scrapyards and stopped vehicles believed to be involved in the collection and distribution of scrap metal.

In Rotherham 43 vehicles were stopped, with three people warned about tyre treads and two for faulty brake lights or registration plate issues.

There was also one arrest, for possession of class B drugs, two for breaching court orders, seven for not paying fines and four scrap dealers were visited.

Across the county 115 drivers were stopped, 11 people were arrested, ten scrap dealers visited and three vehicles seized.

Of the vehicles stopped and checked over, six were given prohibition notices for not being road worthy, six were found not to have a licence for transporting metal and one was fined for using red diesel.

The vehicles were seized as the drivers did not have insurance.

Chief Inspector Andy Kent who co-ordinated the day said: “Working with scrap metal dealers and tackling metal theft is very much daily business for us now, however it's good to dedicate resources to the issue on specific dates.

“The scrap metal industry is now better regulated with Operation Tornado and the new legislation and we work closely with partners across the industry.

“The public can help combat metal theft by reporting suspicious activity on 101 or calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Operation Tornado was established to better regulate the scrap metal industry and restrict the movement of stolen metal by identifying unscrupulous dealers who operate outside the law.

The new cashless legislation began last December and prohibits cash payments for scrap metal.