POLICE in West Yorkshire are stepping up a crackdown on scrap metal thefts.
They are targeting scrap metal dealers and urging them to sign up to a new scheme.
Scrap metal dealers taking part in Operation Tornado will require anyone trying to sell them metal to provide evidence of their identity.
This will be saved for possible inspection by police officers.
Already trialled successfully in the North East, Operation Tornado is designed not to inhibit dealers operating legitimate businesses but to identify unscrupulous dealers who operate outside the law.
Chief Insp Mabs Hussain said: “We will continue to work closely with those who want to get involved as well as urge those still unsure to come on board.
“We regularly inspect all dealers to check stolen metal isn’t passing through them and we will continue to do this.”
