Twelve arrested in metal theft crackdown

A day of action today (Friday 23 September) by Greater Manchester Police to tackle metal theft and bring thieves to justice has resulted in 12 arrests.

Operation Alloy, a force-wide response to increasing metal thefts saw more than 200 special operations and neighbourhood policing officers raiding 65 auto salvage and scrap dealers to search for stolen metals.

They were supported by officers from British Transport Police and engineers and staff from 18 partner agencies including telecoms, electricity, water, rail and tram companies, the Environment Agency, Department for Works and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs.

Eight arrests were made for possession or theft of metals and four others for being disqualified from driving, immigration issues, wanted for serious assault and theft of a motor vehicle.

Roadside operations targeting illegal transport of metal and other materials saw checks on 342 vehicles resulting in 51 stop searches and 33 vehicles being seized for insurance related offences.

More than £20k worth of telecoms cabling from BT, Virgin and Vodaphone was recovered as was £650 of brass fittings taken from Electricity North West.

136kg of overhead tram power cable with a scrap value of £516 was seized in Manchester with engineers estimating a replacement cost of more than £10, 000 plus labour costs.

The Environment Agency prosecuted 11 owners of vehicles that were not licensed to carry waste.

Chief Superintendent Neil Wain, who headed the Operation Alloy day of action, said: "Today has been a good day for Greater Manchester Police, our partners and law-abiding citizens and a very bad one for metal thieves and other criminals who flout the law.

"Through working together we have brought a dozen offenders to justice and disrupted a wide range of criminal activity.

"We have also sent out a clear message to those who make people's lives miserable by damaging homes, properties and our infrastructure that we are on their tails and will be coming to see them soon.

"Criminals and the good people of our county can be assured that Operation Alloy will continue to target those who steal or handle stolen metals over the coming months.

"I would urge people to help us by making their homes, businesses and community buildings less vulnerable to thieves by using security lights, fencing, alarms and good locks to keep thieves at bay.

"They can also help us by providing information about suspicious activity either directly to us on 0161 872 5050 or anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."