Arrests made in metal theft drive

Between Monday, May 14 and Thursday, May 17, officers were out tackling those people suspected of transporting and trading scrap metal.

They arrested 11 people for metal theft and seven people for other offences including drugs and failing to appear at court.

Two lengths of stolen cable were seized and two catalytic converters, as well as quantities of red diesel, drugs and drug cultivation equipment were also recovered.

Chief Superintendent Bill Hotchkiss said: “This is the third high-profile metal theft operation South Yorkshire Police have executed this year.

“Scrapyards in the county and those moving and dealing with stolen metal have been targeted by police several times recently, so they know we are watching them.

“This is part of a long-term plan to deter unlawful actions and better regulate the industry.”

During the operation, 106 vehicles were searched by police, crime prevention advice was handed out, and scrapyards in Doncaster, Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley were visited.