Police officers across the Caerphilly county borough have taken part in two days of action recently to target the theft, illegal carrying and sale of scrap metal.
Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams together with the Gwent Police ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) Unit and Roads Policing Team worked with the DVLA and Environment Agency Wales to hold a multi-agency operation at the end of July.
Officers visited local scrap metal dealers and details of the vehicles and drivers were recorded and verified to ensure that the vehicles were roadworthy. Breaches of trader licensing regulations were also identified and any criminal activity detected. The operation was held right across the county borough.
On the day (Friday 30th July 2010):
- Eight vehicles were seized under Section 165 for not having insurance, and one person was reported for not having insurance
- One person was arrested for possession of drugs
- Two people were arrested for being wanted on warrant
Officers also seized three quarters of a tonne of copper from premises in the Risca area that was believed to be stolen. Enquiries are currently ongoing into this.
Environment Agency Wales also issued 18 tickets to people without waste carrier licences. They have ten days to adhere to the tickets and register as a waste carrier or they will be taken to court.
During the second operation, officers from the Bedwas and Caerphilly Neighbourhood Policing Teams worked with the Gwent Police ANPR Unit and Roads Policing Team to again target scrap metal thefts and illegal traders in these areas.
On the day (Tuesday 10th August 2010):
- Four people were arrested for court warrants, including non-payment of fines
- One person was arrested for TADA (Taking And Driving Away) and for not having driving documents
- One vehicle was seized under Section 165 for not having insurance
- One stolen vehicle was recovered
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant for Blackwood, Neil Jones, said:
“These latest operations have been held to target those who are stealing, carrying and selling scrap metal illegally. A large number of vehicles were stopped and drivers were spoken to, to help gather intelligence. If you see any suspicious vehicles or suspicious activity in your area, then please report it to us.”
James Williams, Environment Officer at Environment Agency Wales, said:
“People who carry waste illegally are undermining legitimate businesses and putting the environment at risk.
“If a company offers to take your waste away, make sure you check their waste carriers’ licence. If they are not registered, they could fly-tip your waste and you could be liable for a large fine.”
To become a registered waste carrier, please contact Environment Agency Wales on 08708 506 506.
To become a registered scrap metal dealer, please contact Caerphilly Council’s Licensing Team on 01495 235039 or e-mail [email protected]
Gwent Police is also offering the below advice to help prevent becoming the victim of scrap metal theft:
- Make thefts more difficult by removing any easy access onto building roofs, waste bins and tall trees located near the building.
- Store ladders in a secure place. This is particularly important when building work involving the use of scaffolding is taking place. Keep gates locked and restrict vehicular access to the site.
- Maximise surveillance levels, including cutting back tall trees and vegetation that could otherwise provide a screen to hide criminal activities.
- Carry out regular checks of roofs so any theft can be found before it rains and enters the building, causing further damage.
- Encourage members of the local community to keep a vigilant eye on the building and to report any suspicious activity, particularly the unexpected arrival of workmen at the property, immediately to the police.
- Display a warning notice asking members of the public to call the police if they see vans or workmen around the building out of operating hours.
- Apply anti-climb paint to drain pipes and roof guttering to restrict access to roofing.
- Security mark metal goods. Warning notices highlighting that security marking has been used are an effective deterrent and should be prominently displayed around the property.
