SCRAP metal and waste collectors operating outside the law have been targeted in a stop and search exercise by Gloucestershire Police and Stroud District Council.

Tri-Force Specialist Operations police officers teamed up with SDC Licensing and Environmental Protection officers on Thursday, March 28 to tackle the issue of unlicensed collectors, in response to public concern.

The joint operation saw drivers of vehicles stopped and asked to provide details of their Waste Carriers Registration, transfer documentation and, where appropriate, to produce their licence to collect scrap metal.

In one case, a van driver carrying scrap metal was served with a £300 Fixed Penalty Notice for failing to produce a Waste Carrier Registration.

Two other matters are to be investigated further and advice was provided to a number of other operators.

“Stroud District Council remains committed to tackling waste crime and continues to work with partner agencies to address this,” said Environment Committee chairman Simon Pickering.

“Part of that commitment involves educating operators about their legal duty of care alongside appropriate enforcement activity.

“We would also advise residents to only give or sell scrap metal or waste to a licensed operator.”

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 places a requirement for all businesses involved in buying and selling of scrap metal to be licensed by the Local Authority and includes both those who operate from sites and those who collect door to door.

To find out more visit: stroud.gov.uk/business/licensing-permits/scrap-metal-licences