Scrap metal dealers hit with £1,000 bill
Three scrap metal dealers who were caught operating without a licence or being too loud have been hit with a combined bill of more than £1,000.
The scrap men from Staffordshire and Walsall were caught as part of a joint council and police crackdown.
Monthly stop and search patrols are being carried out in Lichfield and the trio were caught breaking the law.
Joseph May, aged 41, of Pugh Crescent in Walsall, pleaded guilty to operating a loud speaker to advertise a trade or business at Stafford Magistrates Court.
This is contrary to Control of Pollution Act 1974 and he was hit with a £100 fine, told to pay £482 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
Jonathan Sheldon, 30 and of no fixed abode, admitted carrying on a business as a scrap metal dealer without a licence.
He too received a 12 month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £214 as well as a victim surcharge of £15.
Furthermore, 37-year-old Paul Carroll, of Thomas Greenway in Lichfield, also pleaded guilty to carrying on a business as a scrap metal dealer without a licence, contrary to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.
Magistrates also gave him a 12 month conditional discharge, but with £214 costs and the victim surcharge of £15.
Following the scrap metal act, councils now have legal powers to make sure scrap metal dealers are working within the law. The men were caught as a result of the patrols.
Councillor Colin Greatorex, Lichfield Council cabinet member for community, said they were taking a tough stance and working with the likes of police and neighbourhood watch groups to tackle any rogue scrap metal dealers.
"It is so important that scrap metal dealers are operating within the law, which includes not broadcasting from loud speakers, as well as being able to prove they are properly licensed and provide records to show the location of where the scrap metal has been collected," he said.
It comes as operation have also been carried out in Walsall as part of Operation Steel.
In one previous crackdown lead dating back 126 years was among the items discovered in a merchant's yard in Willenhall.
Premises and spot checks were also carried out in Clarkes Lane and in Springvale Street, in the town.