Raids on 50 scrap yards in the south west have led to 16 people being arrested.
Over 300 police officers from Avon and Somerset Police took part in the raids using sniffer dogs and financial investigators.
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Avon and Somerset Police inspector Ray Hulin said: “Any legitimate scrap dealers who actively refuse to deal with stolen metal, and who engage with local policing teams, have nothing to fear.
“We will continue to use an intrusive approach in dealing with thieves and handlers who are making a lot of money at the cost and inconvenience of everyone else.”
