Police officers and council officials from took part in a cross border, police-led operation to crackdown on unlicensed scrap metal traders and unlicensed vehicle owners on Wednesday.

Officers from Sutton and Merton boroughs carried out the two hour operation involving marked police vehicles roving around the St Helier, Beddington Corner and Willow Lane Industrial Estate areas.

Officers stopped a number of open top trucks and vans and questioned the drivers about whether they were licensed to carry waste.

Scrap sellers must be licensed or they risk facing a fine of up to £300.

The operation resulted in tickets being issued for a waste carriage offence and for another vehicle having a dangerous load.

Sgt O’Donoghue, of Wandle Valley Safer Neighbourhoods Team, who led today’s operation, said the initiative was all about disrupting and catching unlicensed scrap sellers whilst supporting those who carry out their business legitimately, who would be keen to see the ‘cowboys’ taken off the road.