Police forces across the UK have taken part in a seven-day operation to target metal crime and money laundering.
Criminals responsible for facilitating the theft of catalytic converters from cars were among those included in the crackdown.
More than 600 premises across the country were visited between Thursday 10 and Wednesday 16 February. The operation resulted in 30 arrests.
Turning up the heat on metal theft
Operation Goldjuno, coordinated by British Transport Police, sought to ensure scrap metal traders are complying with the 2013 Scrap Metal Dealers Act.
Police forces worked alongside experts from the Joint Unit for Waste Crime (JUWC), Smartwater Group and motor industry representatives. Their task included assessing financial records kept by metal traders, and ensuring compliance with environmental legislation.
Along with the arrests made, several scrap metal businesses were served with closure notices.
Police and partner agencies also helped drivers to forensically mark more than 1,400 catalytic converters.
Doing so helps reduce the risk of a catalytic converter being stolen, and links it to an owner should a thief attempt to sell it.
Tackling organised crime gangs
Catalytic converter theft has become endemic across the UK, with more than 38,000 stolen during 2021. Surging metal prices continue to make them a favourite of thieves, who are drawn to the precious metals – including palladium, platinum and rhodium – contained inside them.
Older hybrid cars have been a constant target for metal thieves. This is due to the belief that lower emissions leave the catalytic converter in better condition.
BTP Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle, said: “The police response to metal theft has significantly increased over the past 18 months and we’re making substantial progress in disrupting organised crime groups operating in this area of crime.
“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.”
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