Metal thefts cut by 67% after Humberside Police crackdown

Metal thefts in the Humber region are down 67% as a result of a "stop and search" scheme, Humberside Police said.

The force said about 100 vehicles have been stopped and searched in metal theft hotspots since the campaign launched two months ago.

Det Ch Insp Dave Houchin, who is leading the operation, said thefts were now averaging 150 a month compared to 450 last May.

He said about 90% of metal scrap yards were supporting the campaign.

'Not complacent'

"If we can identify somebody who's carrying metal without a certificate, with a very brief interview at the roadside an officer can report that person and they will get a £300 fixed penalty notice, which is often more than they'd get at court," said Det Ch Insp Houchin.

"If you can identify where the bulk of the stolen metal is going, then we can focus our activity on those yards and those people and we can support the legitimate traders.

"It is proven to be very successful and no one single tactic will solve metal thefts. Even though we've made reductions, we're not complacent, there's still an awful lot to do and we will continue to do this."

Humberside Police said it is also working with other forces to identify and share intelligence information.