Crackdown on suspected metal thieves

Police have carried out raids to tackle rogue metal traders, after a six-month covert investigation into the sale of stolen metal to scrap dealers.

It is the latest operation against a crime which has soared in recent years, as prices for aluminium, copper and lead have increased.

Gangs have created misery by targeting rail and Tube lines, graveyards and war memorials.

This report from Ben Scotchbrook.

Police officers carried out the dawn raids at six addresses across North Hertfordshire, making arrests in connection with the stealing and selling of stolen metal.

The raids were part of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Precipitate, and were the culmination of a six-month covert investigation into the sale of stolen metal to scrap dealers in Hertfordshire.

The six men were arrested during the early morning raids on suspicion of conspiracy to steal. Those arrested were three from Hitchin aged 30, 37 and 44 years old, a 47 year-old from Royston, a 35 year-old from Letchworth and a 32 year-old from Stevenage.