DUDLEY metal dealers got unexpected visits from cops searching yards for stolen scrap.

During the seven-hour operation on March 28, five scrap yards were visited and four static Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) sites were set up around the region, with motorbike officers pulling over drivers suspected to be carrying illegal loads of metal.

A total of 23 vehicles were stopped, one motorist had their vehicle seized for no insurance, a fixed penalty notice was issued to a driver for having a bald tyre, two notices were issued for vehicle defects and a notice was issued to a motorist who has to produce all of his driving documents to the police within a fixed time.

Sergeant Corrina Griffiths, from north Dudley police, said: "Residents and local businesses often tell us that metal theft is still a concern for them and actions days like this can prove to be really successful.

"We will be conducting regular metal theft action days similar to this and will continue to target known offenders."

Anyone with information about metal theft should call West Midlands Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.