West Mercia Police's operation to target vehicles of metal thieves - The Malvern Observer

West Mercia Police's operation to target vehicles of metal thieves

Malvern Editorial 7th Mar, 2022   0

AN OPERATION has been carried out to target metal thieves across Worcestershire.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and Chief Constable Pippa Mills joined West Mercia Police officers for Operation Goldjuno – a multi-agency approach tackling metal theft and other offences.

It includes general metal theft, catalytic converter crime, heritage offences and national, plant and agricultural equipment theft and costs the UK £360million.

It is also often tied to other serious crimes.




With an increase in export and demand, scrap metal is becoming more valuable to criminals.

Also involved in last week’s operation was the Environment Agency, DVSA, HMRC and Worcestershire Regulatory Services.


A total of 20 vehicles were stopped to check drivers were compliant under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act and Waste carrier legislation and cash-based money laundering in the industry.

Of those checked, nine were being pursued by the local authorities to produce waste carrier licences, three had no waste carrier licence, an intermediate vehicle prohibition order was issued, five delayed vehicle prohibition orders were handed out.

One vehicle had no tax or MoT, one had no insurance, one had a bald tyre, one was illegally using red diesel and cannabis was seized from one driver.

Mr Campion said he was committed to ensuring West Mercia Police had the resources to tackle criminality which was often unseen but could have a huge impact.

“Metal theft is a one example of this, with the potential for significant damage to our infrastructure and the communities we live in.”

He added Operation Goldjuno was ;’an outstanding example of the force best-using its resources and working in partnership with other agencies’.

Insp Dave King said: “As a force we will continue to work closely with partners to clamp down on metal theft.

“This ongoing work includes liaising with scrap metal dealers, regularly conducting spot checks and visits to ensure yards are complying with legislation and organising local operations to disrupt and deter criminals.”

He urged the public to report any metal theft it was aware of by calling police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or 999 if a crime was in progress.

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