More than 110 vehicles were stopped at scrap metal site across the county, including Ross, on Thursday, December 6th as officers carried out their largest operation to date as part of Operation Tornado – an initiative to disrupt the illegal scrap metal trade in Herefordshire.

"Those involved in metal thefts have to travel on the county's roads and these operations are designed to stop these vehicles to make sure they are fully compliant with waste and taxation legislation," said Sergeant Andy Scott from Hereford police station. He added: "Roadside checks like this aim to reduce metal thefts by checking suspect vehicles to check what they are carrying, ensure they are roadworthy and disturb any potential criminal activity."

The vehicles were inspected by officials from VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency), HM Revenue and Customs, Herefordshire Council, DVLA and the Environment Agency.

Sgt Scott, who led the day of action, said:?"This was our largest operation so far in respect of Operation Tornado, and we have seen a drop in metal theft offences throughout the county over the past 12 months. These operations will continue on a regular basis at locations all around the county."

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.