6:30pm Wednesday 11th August 2010
POLICE seized three quarters of a tonne of suspected stolen copper as part of an operation targeting the theft and sale of scrap metal.
Nine vehicles were also seized for not having insurance and eight people were arrested as part of a two-day operation in Caerphilly borough.
The operation ran on July 30 and August 10 and police worked with the DVLA and Environment Agency Wales, visiting scrap metal dealers and checking the details of drivers to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy.
The suspected stolen copper was recovered from a business in Risca and police said inquiries are ongoing into the matter.
Four people were arrested for court warrants, including non-payment of fines, one was arrested for drug possession, two were arrested for being wanted on warrant and one person was arrested for not having driving documents.
Officers also recovered a stolen vehicle and Environment Agency Wales issued 18 tickets to people without waste carrier licences.
Environment officer from Environment Agency Wales, James Williams, said: "People who carry waste illegally are undermining legitimate businesses and putting the environment at risk.
"If a company offers to take your waste away, make sure you check their waste carriers’ licence. If they are not registered, they could fly-tip your waste and you could be liable for a large fine.”
* To become a registered waste carrier, call Environment Agency Wales on 08708 506 506. To become a registered scrap metal dealer, call the council on 01495 235039 or e-mail licensing@caerphilly.gov.uk
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