Carmarthenshire clamp on scrap metal thefts

Dyfed-Powys Police have been engaged in a special operation (codenamed Beagle) to combat scrap metal thefts in Carmarthenshire.
The operation was planned as a direct result of a number of scrap metal thefts reported around the county, causing concern for police and other public bodies.
In Carmarthenshire, records show 30 instances of metal theft since February 1st 2010.
These have included thefts of gates from the Llandeilo area, farming equipment from Tycroes and copper and lead from several addresses in Llanelli.
In the current economic climate, it’s widely recognised that the value of scrap metal items has increased, and there is concern among Carmarthenshire residents that people dealing in scrap metal may be using this as a guise, calling unannounced at addresses and helping themselves to items without prior knowledge or agreement from the legitimate owner.
This metal is then being sold on.
A special operation took place under the banner of the Community Safety Partnership, and involving Dyfed Powys Police’s roads policing unit, Carmarthenshire County Council’s environmental officers, VOSA, Mid and West Wales Fire Brigade and the Environment Agency in a joint effort to combat the problem.
More than 40 vehicles were stopped during the day resulting in three vehicles being seized under Section 165 and one arrest being made.
Ten fixed penalty notices were served, two persons were reported for motoring related offences and five persons were reported for waste carriage offences by Environment Enforcement officers.
“In the current economic climate the value of scrap metal has increased and that in turn has made this kind of crime more attractive,” said Acting Inspector Antony Panter.
“The purpose of today’s multi agency operation was to tackle individuals illegally dealing in stolen and recyclable metal, with a view to detecting offences and disrupting their illegal activities.
“Indications are it’s been a positive multi agency action. We’ve seen a variety of offences detected, including the seizure of vehicles and further investigation will continue. Some motoring related offences were picked up and some breaches of environmental legislation.
“This has been a clear warning. We want to reassure communities that we are trying to tackle the problem in their communities. If any individuals suspect others are involved in these illegal activities they should contact the police or the Environment Agency who will then seek to take positive action wherever possible.”
The operation was conducted using a phased and coordinated approach at key locations around the county. In the first phase, stop checks were carried out at various sites, then later on patrolling officers together with partner agencies proactively targeted suspects and offenders in outlying rural areas.
It’s thought that this will be the first of many multi-agency operations to effectively tackle these emerging offences in Carmarthenshire. And this kind of working is not just important to the police, but also to the other agencies involved.
“Working in partnership is so important,” said Michael Roberts, area environmental officer with Carmarthenshire County Council.
“Each agency has its own powers in tackling the issue, and from the local authority’s perspective, we’re keen to reinforce and remind the public in general that if they engage waste collectors that they should check that they authorised and licensed waste collectors. If they’re not, they could be looking at a worst case scenario fine of £5000, and that’s for both parties, those offloading the waste and those taking it away.
“Today’s operation has been worthwhile from our perspective, and the statistics will show for themselves. From the minor to the major, we’ve sent the whole spectrum of offences today. “
A reminder is now going out to anyone thinking of going into this line of work that people collecting waste should be licensed and able to provide documentation of where the waste has come from and where it went to.
If members of the public have concerns or see something they think is unusual, they’re asked to contact the police on the non-emergency 101 number.