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Thames Valley Police issue warrants to scrap dealers

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As part of a crackdown on metal theft across the Thames Valley region, a series of warrants have been issued by the Thames Valley to scrap metal dealers.

Involving more than 400 officers the operation is one of the largest ever conducted by Thames Valley Police. Six scrap metal merchants were raided by the police and warrants were issued. Detective chief  superintendent Brendan O’Dowda said: “Today’s operation is the culmination of an on-going investigation that has been carried out by Thames Valley Police to target not only the theft of scrap metal, but the channels that thieves are using to dispose of the stolen metal.

“Thames Valley Police is committed to combating this, one of the fastest growing types of crime, a crime that threatens public and community safety and national infrastructure.

“We will always pursue thieves and organised crime groups that carry out this type of crime and the market for disposal. We recognise that most dealers operate law abiding businesses. However far too many turn a blind eye to the origin of metal that enters their yard.

“The more unscrupulous dealer activity encourages the trade of stolen metal for cash without giving any thought and consideration to impact the theft has had on the very communities in which they live.

“By working with all scrap metal dealers and other agencies, we hope to ensure a robust and consistent approach to reducing the opportunities for metal thieves to trade with registered dealers.”

Merchants issued with warrants included Smiths of Bloxham in Milton Road, A4 Metal Recycling Limited in Beenham Industrial park Berkshire, A1 Group in Silver Birches Highland Avenue Wokingham, TR Rogers and Sons The Metal Yard in Nuneham Courtenay, AG Evans Ltd Chesham Road and Tring and A Smiths and Sons in Park View Road Uxbridge.