FIXED penalty notices, prohibition notices and three arrests all resulted from a further operation to tackle metal theft this week.

Following the success of Operation Herald’s day of action on January 31 and as part of the week of national activity, Wiltshire Police and partnership agencies conducted road side checks of vehicles at locations throughout the county on Monday in an effort to target the carriers of waste scrap metal and to detect, investigate and deter metal theft in the county.

Checks were conducted at locations in Chippenham, Salisbury, Trowbridge, Warminster and Swindon.

Due to the high price of scrap metal, its theft is an increasing national problem and one where the effects can be severe, such as the interruption of power supplies and the failure of communications.

The day of action saw police teams consisting of one Police Sergeant, four Police Officers and two Special Constables accompanied by CSI working alongside Wiltshire and Swindon Council Environmental Enforcement Officers, Environment Agency Officers, VOSA and HMRC.

A large number of vehicles including flatbed lorries, vans and HGV’s were stop checked throughout the day.

In total, nine fixed penalty notices were issued for offences including not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone whilst driving.

Four tachograph offences were identified and 14 prohibition notices issued, meaning owners of vehicles are banned from driving them until defects are fixed.

Three arrests were also made during the operation.

In Swindon, 40 year old Alex Sturat-Menteth from Standish in Gloucestershire was arrested and later charged with driving with no insurance and for displaying a fraudulent tax disc.

He was released on conditional bail to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on March 28.

Over 30 individuals are also now being investigated by HMRC following the checks.