Man arrested during clampdown on metal thefts

Buy photos » Steve Lloyd from SmartWater checks for forensic marking with a UV torch. (s)

TWENTY gas cylinders, nine new generators and a large amount of high voltage cable were seized by police during a raid on a city scrapyard.

The action was taken as part of a major crackdown by police and Government agency staff who also stop-checked vehicles in Blackpole and visited other scrapyards across the city.

About £3,000 of cash was also seized from the same dealer under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of theft and illegally abstracting electricity. He was later released on bail pending further inquiries.

Several agencies worked together at the stop check operation on Blackpole Trading Estate, including VOSA, the Environment Agency, Worcester City Council's Regulatory Services and Western Power.

Twenty vehicles were stopped in total and one man in his 30s was arrested and charged for driving while disqualified and without insurance.

A number of vehicles were issued with prohibition notices while police also took action against other drivers for for illegal tyres, having no MOT, no driving licence and illegal trade plates.

The operation comes in the wake of last week's prosecution of a local scrapyard owner for failing to properly register with the local council.

Ronald Calder of C and D Metals, on the Blackpole Trading Estate, was arrested on November 23 during a previous police clampdown on metal theft.

Calder was charged with operating as an unregistered scrap metal dealer and failing to notify the council of a change in registration details.

He appeared at Worcester Magistrates' Court, pleaded guilty to both offences and was fined £200 with £85 costs.

Inspector Janet Heritage, local poling inspector for Worcester, said further checks and vehicles and dealers would take place in the coming months.

"We take the theft of scrap metal seriously and continue to be proactive in tackling the problem and prosecuting those involved," she said.

"We are regularly visiting scrap metal dealers to ensure they comply with the regulations and to assist them with keeping their businesses legal and making it difficult for offenders to have an outlet for stolen property."