Day of action cracks down on metal thieves

Police and Council teams targeted rogue businesses in a day of action to stop thefts of metal in Blackburn and Darwen.

The day of activity was part of the national Operation Tornado initiative to target metal thieves and the transportation of the stolen materials.

Road policing teams carried out stop checks on commercial vehicles to make sure that they were in possession of the correct paperwork including waste carrier licences and business insurance

Officers visited scrap yards to educate and enforce dealers on the new guidance regarding legislation of cashless purchasing.

One warrant executed at a car dismantlers on Carluke Street in Blackburn, saw officers seize suspected stolen car parts,  and further enquiries are on-going as a result in conjunction with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Neighbourhood policing teams in partnership with local authority officers conducted home visits to properties identified as being at risk of burglary, metal and lead thefts. Leaflets were delivered and crime prevention advice offered along with property marking where appropriate.

Lancashire Constabulary carried out the operation along with partner agencies including Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Licensing team, the Environment Agency, Border Force and HMRC.

Cllr Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said:

“This was an effective day of action in the borough and I think it sends out a positive message to the public that we are serious about targeting metal thieves and dealers. Metal theft offences affect the whole community and these actions stop the criminals in their tracks.

“Members of the public can help in the fight against metal thieves by reporting any suspicious behaviour to police via the non-emergency 101 number, as well as making sure that they take help the fight against metal thieves  by locking sheds securely and locking away any tools and bikes after use.”