Dorset Police carried out a day of action to tackle criminals involved in metal theft and the disposal of stolen goods.
On Friday 28 February 2014, officers from Dorset Police and the Environment Agency staged stop-checks at Ferndown Industrial Estate to target those involved in the illegal trade of scrap metal.
The day of action was part of Operation Tornado – a nationwide initiative which aims to reduce metal theft.
Officers also used the opportunity to provide education about the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 legislation which requires dealers and collectors to be licensed by the local authority.
A total of 36 vehicles were stopped and illegal loads were seized from two vehicles.
Officers from the Environment Agency also reported a further four people for waste infringements.
Detective Sergeant Mark Jenkins said: “Operation Tornado is an ongoing nationwide operation which Dorset Police is supporting. The ultimate aim of the operation is to reduce the amount of metal stolen and sold at scrap metal dealers.
“I hope the operation sends out a very clear message that Dorset Police will deal proactively with those who fail to comply with the licensing regulations introduced in the recent legislation.
“There will be further operations of this type and I would urge anyone with information about the theft of metal or people making money from the illegal sale of scrap metal to contact Dorset Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
