Crackdown warning for metal thieves

The results of “Operation Banner”, which took place from Monday, May 16, to Friday, May 20, were published yesterday.

During the operation, officers specifically targeted transit vans and flat bed vehicles collecting metal.

As a result, 118 vehicles were stopped and 10 of those were seized. Six tickets were issued for vehicle defects, seven people were searched and three tickets were issued for not producing the documents requested.

Eleven people were also arrested during the operation for various offences including metal theft, assault and non-payment of fines.

Twenty-two fixed penalty notices were issued and one warning was issued for possession of cannabis.

Insp Gill Blake, of South Yorkshire Police, who led the operation, said: “Operation Banner was a great success, with over 100 vehicles stopped. We will continue to take action against metal theft and similar operations will be occurring regularly.

“It is important to note that metal theft is not a crime specific to Barnsley – it is an issue that needs to be addressed nationally.

“We want to get the message across that if offenders come into Barnsley they will be stopped and have their documents checked and be dealt with robustly.”

Det Chief Insp Sean Middleton added: “We need to identify those involved in metal theft throughout the Barnsley area.

“This type of offending causes a great deal of disruption and incurs significant expense for all the community.

“Recently officers investigated reports of metal theft from overhead pylons, which can be extremely dangerous for those involved. People involved in this type of crime cause disruption and put themselves at risk.

“Anyone who knows of anyone involved in metal theft should contact South Yorkshire Police.”