Scrap Operation in Stockton and Hartlepool Results in Arrests and Fixed Penalties

Officers from the Matrix team carried out an operation on Thursday 29^th February aimed at scrap vehicles in Stockton and Hartlepool.

Cleveland Police officers carried out the operation alongside Stockton Borough Council, Hartlepool Borough Council and the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Fourteen vehicles were checked, with two seized for having no tax, one fixed penalty issued for no MOT, one fixed penalty issued for not wearing a seatbelt, five vehicles dealt with by the DVSA for being overweight, two prohibitions issued for defective tyres and two motorists given advice around loads.

Environmental health colleagues were contacted regarding incorrect storing of raw meat in a van and one male driver charged in relation to possession of an offensive weapon after two baseballs were located in a van which was found to have no functioning handbrake.

Two drivers were also arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and were later bailed whilst enquiries continue.

Only two vehicles were found without defects throughout the operation.

Matrix Team Sergeant Mark Kewley said: “Of the fourteen vehicles we stopped on Thursday 29^th February, only two of them did not have issues which needed attention. There were also three drivers arrested; two on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and one on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

“Results like this show that we need to carry out further educational work and also continue with these operations to ensure that we keep people using the road network in Cleveland as safe as we possibly can.”

Rachael Readman, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards and Licensing Manager, said: “During the operation, licensing officers also stopped a vehicle suspected of unauthorised scrap metal collection within the area. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the occupants did not have a valid license required for such activities, despite a significant amount of scrap metal being found within their vehicle. Subsequently, a roadside interview was conducted with the individuals involved.

“Hartlepool Borough Council remains committed to upholding regulations concerning scrap metal collection within the borough. Such measures are essential to safeguard the integrity of local businesses, protect public safety, and maintain environmental standards.”