Hundreds stopped in rogue trader blitz

Dyfed-Powys Police says it stopped over 700 vehicles as part of a clampdown on rogue traders and scrap metal thieves.

And they say that their spring offensive resulted in a number of arrests with the operation also extending to visits to scrap metal dealers.

The co-ordinated operation involved Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Power and Trading Standards and has been hailed as a success.

“We carried out a series of co-ordinated operations across the force, specifically targeting rogue traders and those suspected of committing or being involved with metal theft,” said Detective Chief Inspector Greg Williams. “And we are pleased with the overall results.”

A total of 711 vehicles were stopped with six arrests for blackmail, drugs and the carrying of offensive weapons.

The operation also saw:

112 searches conducted of both persons and vehicles

31 itinerant collectors stop checked

22 Scrap Metal dealers visited

Four vehicles seized

Over 70 motoring offences dealt with

Eight waste transfer licence offences

“These days of action were a real collaborative effort,” said DCI Williams. “On our side alone we had a total of 163 officers from both patrol and neighbourhood policing sections involved. They conducted high visibility patrols in key areas and visited local scrap metal dealers with the aim of disrupting local and travelling criminals.

The force has made advice about rogue traders available at www.dyfed-powys.police.uk, and urges victims to contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0845 040506.