Police deliver crushing blow to scrap metal thieves

The crushed van

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A van that was used to transport stolen metal and was displayed outside Rochdale Police Station has been crushed.

The van was seized during a recent two-day clampdown which saw police monitoring routes leading to scrap metal merchants across the borough and pulling over suspect vehicles.

Any driver who could not produce a scrap metal dealer’s licence or up-to-date insurance and tax details had their vehicle seized, and those who cannot provide the documents will have their vehicles crushed.

The vehicle checks were part of Operation Alloy, a joint police and trading standards initiative which aims to combat the scourge of scrap metal theft across Rochdale.

The van was displayed outside the police station to highlight that the authorities are actively hunting down anyone involved in metal theft.

Operation Alloy is already shaping up to be a success, with figures falling from 119 incidents in August when the scheme was launched to just 55 in October.

Chief Inspector Mark Bell, of Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale Division, said: “We’re really pleased with the success that Operation Alloy has had so far, but we will not be sitting back. It is also great to be working closely with a growing number of the borough's scrap metal dealers – their support has been very helpful and demonstrates a responsible approach to tackling metal theft. Having said that, there are still a number of businesses that need to get on board and work with us – this has to be the future of the metal business in Rochdale.

“Rest assured, we've no intentions of resting on our laurels. Scrap metal theft is a blight on our borough, and the crushing of this vehicle sends out a stark message to those involved – this is not a victimless crime, and whether you’re stealing metal or transporting it, we won’t hesitate in making you pay for your crime."

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Internal and Environmental Services, said: “This crime doesn’t only cost hard-pressed homeowners and taxpayers financially, but it also creates huge inconvenience and problems when trains are delayed and buildings need to be closed for repairs. The thieves might make a fast buck, but the ramifications of their actions are huge for the people of our borough.”