Multi-Agency Day Of Action Supports Operation Tornado

In support of Operation Tornado, on Thursday 11 October Police in Herefordshire took part in a multi-agency day of action in the county.

On the day, West Mercia Police vehicle examiners, working alongside enforcement officers from the Environment Agency, VOSA, HMRC, and Herefordshire Council Community Protection Team, stopped 40 vehicles as part of their operation and around half of these vehicles were dealt with for a wide range of offences.

The offences dealt with included the issuing of four prohibition notices by VOSA due to defects on vehicles, five waste transfer offences, four offences for being unlicensed scrap collectors (who may now face a £300 fine), four vehicles offences related to tyres and one detected tachograph offence.

In addition, there was one arrest for theft after a stolen battery was found on a vehicle. The arrested man is now on police bail, while his vehicle was also served with a Prohibition Notice due to its poor condition.

Representatives from several partner agencies work together in support of Operation TornadoSpeaking about this operation, Sergeant Andy Scott said:

"This multi-agency action day is just the latest was one of a continuing series with the main aim of targeting the national issue of metal theft.

"However, with our partners working alongside us we are able to deal with a much wider number of offences and in the future we hope to expand our range of partner agencies to include DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) to deal with benefits issues and  the DVLA to deal with vehicle registration and taxation issues.

"Along with our partner agencies in Herefordshire, we have been working with local scrap dealers for some time to make sure they are all operating within the law, so we are pleased to have the opportunity to work within a national scheme.

"Rogue scrap dealers drive demand for stolen metal and in other areas where a scheme has been introduced they have seen significant falls in metal thefts.

"Rogue dealers also tarnish the reputation of those who do and want to work within the law and it gives us greater confidence that those who are participating in the scheme are not handling stolen metal.

"Those dealers who do not sign up or who are found not to be complying fully with the scheme will suffer increased scrutiny and closer attention."

Issued: Tuesday 16 October 2012