Gwent Police undertook a successful force-wide crime crackdown yesterday targeting known offenders, people wanted on warrant, scrap metal thieves and illegal traders.
Local officers joined forces with British Transport Police, British Telecom, Western Power and the Environment Agency Crime Team to identify and prosecute offenders.
The day involved executing warrants, utilising ANPR equipment, stopping vehicles transporting scrap metal at the roadside and visiting numerous scrap metal dealers.
The operation, which began at 7am and continued all day, involved officers on mobile patrols throughout Gwent as well as operating static “check” sites.
Throughout the day 44 arrests were made for offences including:
- Burglary
- Theft
- Assault
- Rogue trader offences
- Breach of bail
- Drug offences (possession, supply and cultivation of cannabis)
- Drink driving
- Violent disorder
- Criminal damage
146 vehicles were checked by the ANPR system, 5 of which were seized for no insurance/licence offences.
1 man was reported for summons by the Environment Agency for carrying waste and scrap metal without the required licence.
A number of scrap metal dealers were visited and officers are following up enquiries with two of them after identifying irregularities with their book keeping records.
A number of intelligence logs were also submitted.
Inspector Simon Morgan who is force lead for metal thefts said:
“Metal theft continues to be a prevalent problem in Gwent as the commodity price of various metals remains high. Intelligence suggests that there are a variety of offenders who steal metal, from opportunist thieves to organised crime groups who target specific vulnerable locations or businesses.
“Metal thieves often risk serious harm or death when stealing metals from electricity sub stations, railways and other industrial sites. Aside from the danger to the thief, these thefts cost the taxpayer a considerable amount of money as local authorities and utility companies spend large amounts of money replacing stolen infrastructure. Proactive visits like these and working with scrap metal dealers helps reduce the marketplace for stolen metal and acts as a deterrent.”
Chief Inspector Simon Jeffries who co-ordinated the operation added:
“Members of the public have an important role to play in helping us bring criminals to justice. The operation today acts as a great intelligence gathering exercise and the valuable information gained today will enable us to target others involved in these and other types of criminality. I would urge anyone with information to contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
