Police and Trading Standards throughout Wales joined forces to target doorstep criminals and raise awareness of doorstep crime in the fourth annual Operation Rogue Traders Week.
In a day long multi-agency operation in Barry on Wednesday (30 June) involving VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency), HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs), Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Licensing and Enforcement team and Trading Standards, EAW (Environment Agency Wales) DWP (Department of Work and Pensions and South Wales Police officers from Barry NST and the Roads Policing unit.
As a result of the operation 18 prohibition orders were issued which denied further use of the vehicle until immediate work was carried out to rectify defects; a £500 spot fine for using red diesel on a public road thereby evading duty; nine waste carrier licences were checked resulting in three waste document requirement notices – failure or discrepancies can result in a £300 fine.
EAW and Trading Standards also have several follow up enquiries that can result in a prosecution. Eight Vehicle defect rectification notices and two summonses were also issued.
Acting Sergeant Stuart Wong led the operation. He said: “The main purpose of the day was to help combat metal theft by targeting those capable of carrying stolen metal and those capable of storing stolen metal by denying them the use of the road network to carry out offences.
“Specific areas were targeted including Barry Docks and the Atlantic Trading Estate. DWP will also be notified of those working on scrap collection vehicles and sites to be checked against benefit claims.
“This was a great example of partnership work and everyone involved was very please with the day’s results.”