SCRAP metal thieves will find it harder to make money from their ill-gotten gains after Doncaster police launched an operation against the growing problem.
People visiting two local scrapyards were stopped by officers and asked to explain where they had obtained the metal they were planning to weigh in.
A number of people arriving with quantities of lead and copper gave it up to police because they c
ould not prove it was legitimately obtained.
The Doncaster Town Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team targeted metal thefts after information from the public suggested a couple of scrapyards in the area were favourite destinations for stolen metals to be sold on.
Doncaster has seen a spate of thefts which have even seen metal road signs and roadside grids stolen, and churches targeted for metal.
On the first day of the operation officers were present at the scrapyards and spoke to every individual visiting the premises. Inquiries were made to check the legitimate possession of any metals.
A total of 64 people were stopped and asked to account for their whereabouts, 38 vehicles were checked for waste carrier offences and 14 vehicles were taken off the road.
And 13 people were asked to produce their driving documents and eight people were found with amounts of copper and lead on them which were seized.
Four people were reported on summons, two people were given vehicle rectification forms and one fixed penalty notice was issued.
Pc Brian Evans said: "The first phase of this operation has really made an impact. We reached a lot of people on just one day, so the message has got out that we are targeting people who steal and deal in stolen metals. The next phase will soon be underway."
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