Five people will be investigated for benefit fraud following an operation targeting scrap metal thefts in Morecambe.
Officers and PCSOs carried out checks on vehicles, their drivers, passengers and contents at the White Lund Industrial Estate on Monday in order to clamp down on the amount of stolen scrap metal being transported across the area.
Checks were also carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions, Trading Standards, Lancaster City Council and VOSA. As a result five people will be investigated for potentially making fraudulent claims for benefits whilst working. VOSA issued six prohibition notices to vehicles.
“Metal theft is not only a problem in this area, but all over the county due to the increasing value of scrap metal,” says PC Sean Brady from Morecambe’s neighbourhood police team.
“Thieves often go to extraordinary lengths to take metal from people’s private property – even climbing on roofs to get it. I would urge anyone who sees such suspicious activity to contact police.”
He added: “This operation has been targeting people that seek to profit from crime by cashing in on stolen metal. Anyone found in possession of stolen scrap metal can expect to be arrested and detained whilst we make further enquires into the origins of the metal.“