Multi-agency operation to tackle metal theft in Telford
A high profile multi-agency operation is being conducted in Telford today as West Mercia Police joins forces with a number of partners in an attempt to address the ongoing problems caused by metals thefts in the Borough.
Since 9.30am this morning, local Police and Community Support Officers - alongside representatives from Telford & Wrekin Council's Licensing Department - have been visiting local scrap metal dealers to ensure they are adhering to the regulations that are laid out in the Scrap Metal Dealers Act (1964).
These regulations include keeping accurate records of all the scrap metal they process or dispatch - including the description, the weight, the time and date processing was done and also the details of who the metal was received from.
Representatives from Smartwater, the Environment Agency, Western Power, Keg Watch, Trolley Wise, Calor Gas, HMRC, British Transport Police and British Telecom will all be on hand to assist the police and the council and will be carrying out their own rigorous inspections alongside Police and Council colleagues.
Speaking about this operation, Chief Inspector Paul Moxley said:
"This operation - which has seen us visit scrap metal dealers in areas including Madeley, Ketley, Trench and Donnington - is an important ongoing initiative as we continue our attempts to tackle the problems caused metal thefts locally.
"Metal theft offences come in many different guises - whether it is lead from buildings or catalytic converters from cars for example - but one thing is constant and that is the problems the thefts cause the victims who are often left with hundreds of pounds worth of damage to sort out.
"We have been working closely with scrap metal dealers locally - and generally have a positive working relationship with them - but it is important we regularly check up on them to ensure they are abiding by the legal guidelines that are in place.
"This morning's operation is just another part of the ongoing work we are doing to reduce the number of metal thefts through Project Livewire. All the agencies involved in this operation would like to reassure local people that we will continue to do all we can to tackle the disruption and danger the theft of metal can cause to the law abiding majority in Telford and Wrekin."
