An investigation has been launched after an illegal scrapyard was found in West Cumbria.
As part of a national crackdown, the Environment Agency, Allerdale council, Cumbria police and British Transport Police visited waste sites and scrap yards in the borough.
Officers searched for stolen metal, reviewed financial records and checked operators were complying with the conditions of their permits and the 2013 Scrap Metal Dealers Act as part of Operation Respect.
Officers found the majority of permitted waste sites in Allerdale are operating legally but discovered an illegal waste site and a stolen vehicle, which are now under investigation.
Alicia Cottam, waste crime engagement specialist at the Environment Agency, said: “We are committed to tackling waste crime and Operation Respect gave us an opportunity to work with the local police and council to check-in with the waste industry in Allerdale.
“Our combined efforts are making the waste industry a harder place for criminals to operate. We will continue to work collaboratively to target those individuals and companies who commit crime and harm the environment in the North West.”
Councillor Jim Lister, Allerdale council’s executive member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “I’m really pleased to see that this operation was a success and I’d like to thank everyone involved. At Allerdale this operation was co-ordinated through the Local Focus Hub and it goes to show how working in partnership can bring results. This is all part of the council’s commitment to a cleaner and greener Allerdale.”
A Cumbria Constabulary spokesman said: “The operation was a successful day for all agencies. We value this type of partnership working so we can ensure a collective approach to solving problems within the community.
“These type of operations allow us to gather intelligence as well as target anyone committing crime and harm to the environment.”
British Transport Police Superintendent Mark Cleland, said: “The police response to metal and waste crime has significantly increased over the past 18 months and we’re making substantial progress in disrupting organised crime groups operating in this field.
“By taking a multi-agency approach, we’re maximising our ability to identify those involved, making it harder for them to sell stolen metal and gain from their criminal activities.”
