Drivers hit with fines and vehicles seized

Cars were seized and drivers fined as dozens of vehicles were stopped by police during a four-day operation in the Black Country.

Officers were carrying out checks in Stourbridge and Quarry Bank as part of a clampdown on scrap metal thieves. More than 70 drivers were asked to pull over so their loads and paperwork could be checked.

An automated number plate recognition van was set up in a number of locations including James Scott Road in Cradley to help alert officers to vehicles that were stolen or didn't have any insurance.

Three vehicles were seized for not having insurance and fines were handed out to four drivers for not having an MOT.

Police also spoke to five drivers who had dangerous loads on the back of their vehicles.

Details of seven people were passed on to the Department of Work and Pensions for benefit fraud.

Pcso Nick Woods who worked on the operation said: "This operation focuses on reducing offences around the scrap metal industry, prosecuting any identified offenders, helping us to identify and negate the criminal networks involved in the processing of stolen metal and to gather intelligence to assist with further arrests and operations."

It was part of Operation Kryptonite, which is tackling the rise in scrap metal crime.

It was carried out by neighbourhood officers from Stourbridge and Quarry Bank & Dudley Wood. Representatives from the Vehicle Operating Services Agency (VOSA) and the DWP were also present.