THERE was a police crackdown on illegal waste in Wiltshire yesterday morning (September 21). 

Wiltshire Council enforcement officers, as well as the rural crime team and roads policing unit, ran spot checks on vehicles for illegal waste and scrap metal haulage. 

Nine vehicles were stopped in a two-hour period and Wiltshire council will be following up enquiries with four of the drivers. 

Earlier this month, three people were fined almost £30,000 for illegal waste and scrap metal offences. 

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport, said: “As part of our zero-tolerance approach to unlicensed waste carriage and scrap metal activity in Wiltshire, our Environmental Enforcement team works in partnership with the police to execute targeted stop and search operations.

“During this operation, officers were able to stop traders carrying waste or scrap metal and check licences, ask questions, educate where required and ensure they were operating lawfully.

“This reduces environmental crime and demonstrates our continued proactive approach to improving the environment in Wiltshire.

“I’d like to thank the Wiltshire Police Rural Crime Team for their support of these cross-agency operations, and we look forward to many more in the near future.”

All vehicles were road-worthy but words of advice were given by the roads policing unit about the condition of tyres and insecure loading. 

Rural crime team officer, PC Thomas, who coordinated the operation said: “Metal theft is a perpetual problem in both rural areas and towns across the county.

"Not only does it take work away from genuine businesses but can cause considerable damage and cost to our farming communities.”

Wiltshire Rural Crime Team has issued the following advice if you think someone is involved in metal theft: 

  • Call 999 if the crime is happening now - if you are unsure, we’d rather hear about it and decide if a theft is occurring

  • If it is safe to do so, take photos of suspects or the number plate of their vehicle (do not approach suspects, as they have been known to use violence)

  • If the crime has already happened then you can report it to us online or call 101 if you cannot report online