Scrap metal dealers arrested after East Mids thefts

In early morning raids in South Yorkshire, police uncovered 10 suspects following an investigation into the theft of the materials across South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and the West Midlands.

Scrap metal dealers and domestic addresses were raided as part of Operation Ultimatum.

Ten people are currently being held in custody where they will be interviewed by detectives, three of the which ran scrap metal dealers in the county.

100 officers from the British Transport Police were involved in the operation, in which a number of vehicles were seized, stolen scrap metal and large amounts of cash were uncovered at two of the premises searched.

The arrests follow a six-month investigation by an organised crime group from 44 line-side locations and depots.

Detective chief inspector Glen Alderson from BTP said: “The arrests made this morning as part of Operation Ultimatum, are the result of a 6 month investigation into the theft of £2m of rail track by an organised crime group from 44 line side locations and depots in South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Birmingham.

“Our investigations are ongoing and I would ask anyone with any information to contact us on 0800 405040 or text 61016 in strict confidence.”