Police
Take Hard Line on Scrap Metal
Twenty-five people were arrested on July 24th after
the police executed a warrant on Benfleet Scrap as part of their crack-down
on metal thefts in the area.
As
part of Operation Recover, approximately 50 police officers descended
onto the scrap yard around 4.30pm, with the objective of identifying suspected
stolen vehicles and stolen metal. The Essex Police helicopter was also
circulating the site on standby to assist.
Two suspected stolen vehicles from the Basildon area were found, as well
as a quantity of cable and other metal that is believed to be stolen.
Other agencies such as EDF Energy, the Environment Agency and Trading
Standards were also invited on the operation to assist with the identification
of potential stolen items.
A large sum of cash was also seized as part of the warrant execution.
Nine of the 25 people arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to handle stolen
goods were taken to custody at Rayleigh police station, where they were
interviewed by police.
They were released on bail to appeal back at Rayleigh police station on
November 6th.
The other 17 arrested people have been released on street bail pending
further police investigation until August 20th.
Castle Point District Commander, Chief Insp Paul Eveleigh was pleased
with the information obtained by the Operation. 'This is only the start
of an overall crack down on metal thefts, which have been on the increase
in Essex over the past 12 months,' said Chief Insp Eveleigh. 'We are pleased
with the results so far and we will continue our efforts until the crime
is minimised dramatically.'
