A DAY of action saw 30 vehicles stopped across Purbeck as police targeted the theft of metal.

Two vehicles were seized following reported licence and insurance offences, with both drivers reported.

Two further drivers were reported for offences of having an insecure load and for driving in a condition likely cause injury due to the vehicle’s load.

The day was part of a national week of action in relation to metal crime.

Sergeant Natalie Skinner, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “We recognise the role commercial vehicles can play in the disposal of stolen metal, even if it is unintentionally.

“By stopping drivers and engaging with them we were able to offer education and advice, while the day also resulted in the identification of further driving offences.

“We were also able to work with our partners in the Environment Agency to allow them to gather vital intelligence in relation to this issue and inform their ongoing work to identify offences in relation to waste disposal.”

READ MORE: Dash cam appeal after crash on A35 Upton bypass

READ MORE: Beavers return to the wild in Studland after 400 years in historic reintroduction

READ MORE: Fire crews tackle blaze at Dino’s Takeaway in Swanage – caused by fat fryer

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “It was great to join the Rural Crime Team and our partners at the Environment Agency, for this important day of action.

“As well as providing an opportunity for the officers to gather intelligence, it was an invaluable chance to educate and inform members of the public who might have been otherwise unaware of the law around metal theft.

“I know the impact these types of offences have on our communities – particularly for those in rural areas – so it’s important that Dorset Police work together to forge effective, crime fighting partnerships to tackle offences that really affect the people and businesses of Dorset, and I look forward to seeing more of these types of operations take place.”

The day also provided the Environment Agency with an opportunity to gather intelligence in relation to waste offences, with follow-up visits planned off the back of the information obtained.

Ben Shayler, area environment manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Last week, officers from our Waste and Enforcement teams joined Dorset Police in Purbeck for an operation targeting illegal waste transport and metal crime.

“Through intelligence-led partnership working and roadside stops we are taking a targeted approach to prevent and disrupt the illegal movement of waste across the county by unlicensed carriers, brokers and dealers.

“Anyone handling, storing or transporting waste must be registered with the Environment Agency.”