Royston Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) has been targeting scrap metal thieves in the area in a one-day multiagency operation.

On Wednesday 12 May, police working with Custom and Excise and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), visited the Carlton area, stopping motorists driving vans, trucks and other vehicles big enough to transport large goods such as metal.

The operation ran throughout the day and also involved a variety of traffic and vehicle related offences being observed for.

Police used automated number plate readers in their cars to display vehicles in the area that are linked to crimes and/or are uninsured.

Results are as follows:

• Customs and Excise tested for the use of red diesel and had three positive results where a fine of at least £500 was given depending on the size of the vehicle.
• VOSA examined vehicles for roadworthiness and prohibited 15 from moving until faults were rectified.
• Four vehicles were seized for having no insurance.
• 24 £80 fines were issued for a variety of offences including speeding, using a mobile phone at the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt.
• No one was found to be conveying scrap metal illegally.

PC Clare Sidaway said: “The operation was a success for all agencies involved. We didn’t retrieve any stolen metal this time however we will be carrying out similar operations like this in the future with the hope of doing so.

“Some people may believe not wearing a seatbelt and minor vehicle faults might not be serious but we disagree. Offences like these could prove very dangerous and police take all road and vehicle offences seriously. Offenders will be found sooner or later.”