METAL thieves were under the spotlight again last week in the latest in a series of targeted operations.

Bexley police were joined by Bexley Council’s environmental crimes unit, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency checking the condition of vehicles, and BT Open Reach Network’s integrity unity, which was looking for stolen telecom cabling.

Roadside checkpoints were set up in Thames Road, Crayford and Bexley Road, Erith, and over a five-hour period stopped 50 vehicles.

Checks were done by police, including special constables, for traces of SmartWater on scrap, condition checks were carried out on the vehicles and inquiries made about licences for carrying waste and scrap metal.

The number plates of passing vehicles were also scanned for drivers and vehicles suspected of being involved in crime or motoring offences, such as no insurance.

During Operation Target, two teenagers aged 16 and 19 were arrested in Slade Green Road, Slade Green, on suspicion of theft of lead flashing.

In addition, four drivers received fixed penalty notices for motoring offences; two uninsured vehicles were seized; one driver received an on-the-spot fine of £200 and prohibited from working and driving for 45 hours by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency; one vehicle was taken off the road for being in a dangerous condition and four drivers were fined £300 for being unlicensed to carry waste and scrap metal.

Police sergeant James Coomber from Erith Safer Neighbourhoods policing team said metal theft in Bexley continued to be a cause for concern and was “putting people’s lives at risk”.

He added: “Nothing appears to be off limits to thieves who are targeting property for its yield of copper, brass, lead and aluminium and even bronze from war memorial plaques.”

Metal thefts have included dry riser valves from tower blocks used to help fight fires, roadside drain covers , BT’s copper cable network, bronze plaques from Bexleyheath war memorial and theft from railways.