Clamping Down on Scrap Metal Waste Crime

Officers from DDC’s environmental crime and licensing teams have taken part in a joint operation targeting metal waste crime with the Kent Police Rural Task Force, the Environment Agency and BT Open Reach Security.  The operation was part of National Metal and Waste Crime Week.

As part of the operation, advice and guidance was given to licensed scrap metal sites across the Dover district to help them combat scrap metal crime.  The high price of metal means that theft is often linked to organised crime.

Scrap metal dealers must have either a site or collector’s licence to carry out business, and the operation also involved checks to make sure dealers had the correct environmental permits and that they were complying with their obligations under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

A warrant obtained by DDC officers was also executed at a suspected unlicensed scrap metal site and further investigations are ongoing.

A number of vehicles carrying waste and scrap metal were also stopped and checks were conducted to ensure compliance.

Cllr Nicholas Kenton, DDC’s cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “The vast majority of scrap metal dealers operate well-managed businesses, but this is a sector of the waste market that can be prone to theft and fly-tipping.  This was an excellent example of how we work with partners to closely monitor and regulate activities involving scrap metal.”

Sergeant Darren Walshaw, of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, said: “We work closely with our local authority partners to tackle the issue of fly-tipping and send a message to those intent on illegally disposing of waste that it will not be tolerated.

“Fly-tipping is not just littering, it is organised criminality. The problem blights communities and some waste, like asbestos, can pose a significant health risk to the public.

“Everyone has a responsibility to tackle the issue and I would ask anyone having waste removal to ensure that the person taking their rubbish away is licensed to do so. Many are unaware that they may be fined if their rubbish is linked to their household, even if they have paid someone to dispose of it.

“By working with our partners and local people we can make a positive difference and protect our countryside from fly-tippers.”

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