A DUDLEY scrapyard has been shut down by police for trading illegally without a licence.

West Midlands Police carried out a one-day blitz of 20 premises across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton as part of their ongoing Operation Steel initiative against metal theft.

Following a visit to Shaw Metals in Shaw Road, police ordered the operation to close down after it was found not to have a valid licence to trade.

While a 39 year-old man was arrested from Midland Metals in Pedmore Road for possessing cocaine. He is set to appear in Dudley Magistrates Court on February 27.

Sergeant Rebecca Barnsley, who organised the operation, said: "We are determined to make it as difficult as possible for rogue traders or thieves to get rid of stolen metals in the Midlands region and we will prosecute anyone found to be committing offences.

"For too long thieves have been able to steal what they like and sell it on for, sometimes, large amounts of cash "We regularly monitor yards across the West Midlands and ensure anyone trying to sell or accept stolen goods are subject to our investigations.

The majority of yards visited were found to have no issues.