Promise of further police action against Fife metal thieves

Police in Fife have vowed to continue tackling the trade in stolen metal following a day of action.

Officers swooped on industrial estates throughout the region earlier this week, part of a multiagency effort to clamp down on the crime after legislation brought in last year.

One trader was allegedly found to be operating without a metal dealer’s licence, while three vehicles were seized for having no insurance.

Three more vehicles were stopped from continuing their journeys, requiring urgent work to be fit for use on public roads.

In total, more than 189 motorists were stopped as part of the operation.

Chief Inspector Stephen Innes of Police Scotland’s road policing unit said Monday’s initiative proved beneficial.

“We have run a number of days of action along with British Transport Police prior to the new law coming in, in order to raise awareness of the changes and ensure traders could make arrangements to comply.

“It also meant we could stop and speak to drivers about the general safety and roadworthiness of their vehicles as well as allowing partners to carry out specific checks.

“There is no excuse for not knowing about or complying with the law that has been in force for a number of months.”

Monday’s clampdown was conducted as part of Operation Scandium, a British Transport Police-led campaign, working the Police Scotland and several government agencies.

Industrial estates in Kirkcaldy, Thornton and Inverkeithing were all targeted by officers, stopping and searching vehicles entering local scrapyards.

It follows the introduction of Scottish Government legislation last year, banning cash transactions between those dealing in scrap metal, making all material traded traceable in a bid to stop rogue traders.

Mr Innes said further action will be taken in the east of Scotland over the coming weeks.