Partner agencies have delivered a zero-tolerance blow to the ruthless scrap metal thieves who endanger residents, destroy buildings and cost hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage a year.
Scores of vehicles were stopped, searched and examined, one van was seized and arrests were made as part of Operation Magnet in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Sending a clear message of reassurance to communities and warning to offenders, Operation Magnet was coordinated by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership and brought together South Wales Police, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, British Transport Police, BT, VOSA and the DVLA.
Each of these agencies and many more are massively affected by the ongoing theft of metal including drain and manhole covers, street light and telephone cables, railway line accessories, signs and even public rubbish bins.
It costs hundreds of thousands of pounds a year to replace the stolen metal, as well as countless hours of effort from frontline staff as they work in difficult and emergency situations to replace stolen items in order to protect services residents rely upon.
Most importantly, thieves are also putting lives and livelihoods at risk as they mindlessly steal manhole covers and drains, leaving gaping holes in roads and strip expensive metal from buildings, leaving the owners to count the costs.
Rhondda Cynon Taf will not tolerate such activity, which is why the successful Operation Magnet took place on Thursday leading to:
- 73 vehicles searched
- Eight arrests in relation to scrap metal theft, drugs, drink driving and vehicle theft
- Three cautions for Tachograph offences
- One vehicle seized as it was so full of defects, it was deemed a danger to other road users
- 36 fixed penalty notices issued, including 15 for £300 each to those who did not have the necessary licenses and paperwork
- Nine vehicles found to be untaxed
- 3180 vehicle numberplates checked by the DVLA
- Three drivers dealt with for not wearing seat belts.
- 31 drivers given producers to present their documents at a police station
- one vehicle served with notice for being overweight
- Discovery of an unregistered scrap dealers in Maerdy which has since registered and is now a legally operating venue, serving the community.
People from Rhydyfelin, Pontyclun, Pencoed, Ebbw Vale, Aberfan, Baglan, Porth, Mountain Ash, Gilfach Goch, Llantwit Fadre, Abercynon, Cwmbran, Caerphilly, Llanharan and Pontardawe were dealt with during the operation.
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, said: “Metal theft costs the Council alone over a quarter of a million pound a year, money we could be spending on other services to benefit our residents.
“Apart from this, we are fed up of having our communities endangered and upset by the mindless theft of metal from our street lighting columns, roads and even precious buildings such as churches and Crematoriums.
“We will not tolerate this and Operation Magnet has sent a clear message to the offenders and associated trade that we are watching them. I hope it has also served as a reassurance to the community that we are taking action on their behalf.
“Importantly, Operation Magnet is the first operation in a series of campaigns planned in the coming months and weeks, so offenders need to be aware.”
Chief Inspector Max Davies of South Wales: ““These criminals are costing law abiding tax payers thousands of pounds, and in stealing drain covers and copper from central heating systems, they put lives in danger.
”We have sent a message out to offenders who may think carrying and collecting waste illegally is easy to get away with – a good way to earn a quick buck.
“It shows we’re prepared to pool all the legal powers and resources at our disposal to arrest, search, and convict people for a wide variety of offences and to disrupt their illegal activities.
“Waste carriers must have an appropriate license as they help to make them accountable, and those who don’t bother with them will often be prepared to dump rubbish illegally, or steal metal for its scrap value. Needless to say, those people will often also be fraudulently claiming benefits at the same time.Operations like this will continue throughout the year.
