The fight against metal theft continues

Three hundred and seventy seven vehicles were stopped and 75 people were searched today (Wednesday 13 February 2013) as part of Operation Alloy

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Three hundred and seventy seven vehicles were stopped and 75 people were searched today (Wednesday 13 February 2013) as part of Operation Alloy, a high profile operation to disrupt motorists suspected of transporting stolen metal, driving without tax or insurance or using the roads to commit criminality.

Fifteen vehicles were seized for having no insurance, tax or being driven antisocially.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of theft and 22 stolen Calor Gas Bottles were recovered.

Two hundred and forty three traffic offence reports (replacement for fixed penalty notice) were issued for road traffic offences.

More than 80 officers took part in today’s operation, which focussed specifically on road users suspected of travelling to and from scrap yards or using the road illegally.

As part of today’s activity, officers carried out 36 eye tests on the roadside. Using new legislation, drivers now face having their licence revoked immediately if they fail a roadside eye check and officers feel that road safety is compromised. None of those tested today failed.

Operation Alloy was set up in 2011 in response to an increase in the theft of metal and in the last year it has helped reduce it by more than 60 per cent. It involves divisional and specialist operations officers as well partners from the utility, telecoms and transport networks.

Superintendent Craig Thompson who leads Operation Alloy for GMP said: “We have shown metal thieves just how serious we are in clamping down on this type of crime and the last year has seen significant reductions.

“We not only target scrap yards, but also those involved in transporting stolen metal on the road networks and are using new legislation regarding eye tests as an additional tool to disrupt drivers and ensure they are complying with the law.

“Metal theft continues to be an issue in Greater Manchester and the message to anybody committing metal theft is to stop. From opportunist thieves who steal small amounts of metal, to organised crime groups who run sophisticated operations on a much larger scale, it is only a matter of time before we catch you.”