Police checks snare dodgy scrap dealers

10:11am Tuesday 4th September 2007

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DODGY scrap dealers felt the long arm of the law during a day-long crackdown.

A team of crimebusters from the police, Thurrock Council, the Environment Agency, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and the Department of Work and Pensions joined forces for the operation.

Stationed at three sites around Tilbury, they stopped a string of dealers who were transporting scrap metal without Environment Agency permits.

The operation was prompted by a recent surge in thefts of precious metals.

Divisional commander Chief Supt Simon Coxall hailed the operation a success. He said: "The incidence of theft of scrap has risen markedly in recent months.

"This is villains taking advantage of the high value of scrap metal, currently, to make a dishonest buck.

"The thieves and individuals who fence stolen scrap need to know police and our partners will continue to work closely together to stop them in their tracks."

Police used automatic number plate recognition equipment, which reads number plates and flags up uninsured, untaxed or stolen vehicles.

They also stopped 20 drivers for various traffic offences and seized ten cars which were uninsured.

A man was arrested near St Chad's Road, after his car was found to contain several items suspected of being involved in the cultivation of cannabis.

Department for Work and Pensions staff also launched inquiries into several drivers who were found to have irregularities over their benefits claims.

Police would not reveal the exact locations of the stop checks - as they plan to repeat the operation at the same spots and other sites.