Police stopped and checked 25 vehicles during a joint multi-agency operation targeting metal theft.
Vehicles travelling around the Dunkirk area of Nottingham were safely directed into a car park area to be checked during the operation which was also supported by representatives from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The results of yesterday’s ‘Operation Cleansweep’, which was supported by one of Nottinghamshire Police’s new Operation Reacher teams, included the arrest of a 36-year-old man on suspicion of disqualified driving and driving while unfit through drugs.
Nine traffic offence reports were issued for a variety of offences, including a £900 notice given for a vehicle being overweight. Others were issued for drivers not wearing seatbelts and having tyres below the permitted tread depth.
Five vehicles were prohibited from being driven any further due to the dangerous condition they were in and one vehicle, a Ford Tipper, was seized for having no insurance.
A number of other drivers were given warnings concerning minor vehicle defects.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police’s new City West Operation Reacher team supported today’s initiative.
The force’s successful Operation Reacher blueprint has now been expanded, with teams of officers being introduced to all 12 neighbourhood policing areas across Nottinghamshire from this week.
The teams have hit the ground running, with a series of drugs warrants across the county leading to arrests and drugs, cash and weapons being recovered, as well as range of community engagement events.
Inspector Tim Ringer, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “As this coordinated roads policing operation has shown, we are committed to tackling all forms of metal crime which can cause significant damage to our communities.
“As a force we continue to work closely with our 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.
“We need members of the public to help us tackle and reduce metal theft by keeping their eyes open to any suspicious activity in their areas, particularly around isolated locations, and report it to us.
“We’re asking people to be vigilant and if they see anything suspicious to get it touch with us so that we can prevent and investigate incidents, gather intelligence and deny thieves the opportunity to profit from their crimes.
“Anyone with information should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. If a crime is in progress, call 999.”