Police officers and council enforcement teams have joined forced to combat the trade in stolen scrap metal.
Bedfordshire Police and Central Bedfordshire Council collaborated this week to tackle the increasing problem in the county.
The record price of recyclable metals across the world has prompted an ever-increasing trade in metal stolen for its scrap value.
While some items stolen from yards or building sites are scrap, many more items in current use such as gas and water pipes, electricity cables, gates, lead roofing and even statues and lightning conductors are being stolen to be traded for cash.
People trading in scrap need a licence issued by the Environment Agency, so Central Bedfordshire Council’s environmental protection team and local officers spent most of yesterday afternoon stop-checking vehicles around the Biggleswade area, making sure their loads of scrap were properly documented.
“We divided our team between general mobile patrol around the area, and also stop checking vehicles approaching scrap yards so see if there were any criminal or civil offences,” said Sgt Neil Camfield. “I’m pleased to say there was no evidence of any of the vehicles we stopped carrying stolen goods, although the council team issued six notices to traders who were not complying with licensing regulations.”
The joint patrols will be continuing in coming months. Metal thefts can cause huge damage to local buildings and the environment. Anyone who has information about this issue should can contact police on 101, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name but you could still receive a cash reward. If you see anyone stealing or moving metal items which you suspect are stolen, contact police immediately on 999.
