Police have visited dozens of scrapyards in County Durham to check owners are complying with a voluntary scheme aimed at combating metal thefts.
‘Operation Tornado’ was launched this January and covers hundreds of yards and recycling facilities across the North-East.
A joint initiative from British Transport Police and the British Metal Recyclers Assocation, ‘Tornado’ commits scrap metal dealers to buy metal items only on production of valid photo ID – for example, a driving licence or passport – for every transaction, and to maintain photocopied records for a period of six months.
In the Durham Constabulary area, 35 of the 40 yards have committed themselves to ‘Tornado’, and yesterday’s unannounced site visits were designed to see if they were sticking to the letter of the pilot scheme.
Over 50 officers were involved, from response policing teams, the roads policing unit and the force’s specialist metal theft teams.
They called at 30 yards in an operation which started at 10am and lasted until mid-afternoon.
Most yards were found to be complying with the scheme, with dealers reporting no significant effect on trading.
There is also high customer awareness that ID must be produced before yards will buy scrap.
Some minor record-keeping irregularities were pointed out by the visiting officers but it was not necessary to report any dealers, with relevant advice being given instead.
After completing the yard visits police conducted high visibility patrols in the immediate areas aimed at travelling metal thieves.
Some minor traffic offences were noted, mainly for vehicle defects but no arrests were made.
“The operation went well and it was reassuring that yards generally are complying with Tornado,” said Sgt Andy Sutherland, who co-ordinated the operation.
“We found the majority of dealers were positive and co-operative with the police.
“We want the industry to work alongside us and for owners to play their part.
“Our aim is to make life as difficult as possible for those involved in metal thefts, and we will continue to visit scrapyards and recycling plants to ensure they are sticking to the regulations.
“It should not come as a surprise that those who choose not to be involved in Tornado will find themselves receiving closer police attention.”
In August last year metal theft reached a peak of 300 offences per week across the Durham force area.
But a series of police actions and greater co-operation from the industry has now reduced this figure by 56 per cent, to under 150 offences in February.