Nearly 70 vehicles were stopped near Lichfield as part of a crackdown on metal thieves.
Staffordshire Police’s Operation Impact checks took place on the A5 between Lichfield and Cannock and saw hundreds of vehicles pass through the automatic number plate recognition system.
From the 69 vehicles stopped, two immediate prohibition notices were issued – where two unroadworthy vehicles were seized – while four vehicle defect notices were issued and five drivers were asked to produce documents.
The premises of 25 scrap metal dealers were also visited during the day and enquiries are ongoing.
Sergeant Donna Gibbs, who co-ordinated the operation, said: “Metal theft is an international problem that can have significant effects on the local economy.
“This type of theft has a huge impact on our day-to-day lives and across the UK to date has been responsible for failure of phone lines to houses and businesses, the collapse of electrical supply to homes, businesses and even hospitals, breaks in supply of gas and water, delays and cancellations on the railway and even the breakdown of traffic lights.
“Under Operation Impact we are determined to address local metal theft problems by targeting thieves and arresting anyone who handles stolen property. We are constantly looking out for our next targets.
“Officers take every opportunity to strip assets from criminals involved in metal theft, including rogue scrap metal dealers.”
“We are continuing to work closely with partners and the business community to drive down thefts and bring offenders to justice.”
Anyone with information on metal theft should ring Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
