POLICE arrested four people and seized potentially dangerous vehicles in an operation against scrap metal thieves.

Officers from Durham Police launched Operation Falconwood and ran roadside checks on vehicles on the A690 at West Rainton, near Durham City, on Tuesday The checks were carried out after traffic intelligence identified scrap theft “hotspots”, with most activity happening between 10am and 2pm.

Several vehicles were stopped and one man was arrested on suspicion of stealing scrap from the Seaham area. One vehicle was seized because the driver had no insurance.

Five others were immediately prohibited from the roads for dangerous faults and a further 11 minor motoring offences were dealt with at the roadside.

Police and the Environment Agency visited four scrapyards in the Durham City and Easington areas to ensure regulations were being observed, while Customs officers dealt with three drivers caught using red diesel.

Three other arrests were made in the Northumbria area, more scrapyards were visited and motoring or benefits offences investigated.

Police from the Durham and Northumbria forces patrolled in a ten-mile radius from the check site looking out for vehicles known to be used by local criminals.

PC Andy Sutherland, of Durham Police, said: “With values of scrap metal remaining high, such thefts account for a large number of crimes.

There are limited numbers of bona fide scrap collectors and many of those involved in this activity do so unlawfully.

“A significant number are known to us and are active in other areas of crime.”