Police launch scrapyard probe

A Newark scrapyard was shut down for most of today and its owner arrested in a police operation targeting metal theft.

The operation, which involved 50 people, was launched in response to increasing reports of metal theft.

Churches have been stripped of lead, household gas supply pipes cut, and roadside grates stolen.

Newark Police, working with the Nottinghamshire force Financial Investigations Unit, asked for consent to search the Bradford Moor yard, on Cow Lane, and examine its financial records.

The owner of Bradford Moor, Mr Richard Moor was arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property.

The officer who led the operation, Sergeant Mark Burrell said he was delighted with how it had gone.

The police had also intended to visit the other four scrapyards in Newark, but said that plan was shelved.

Railway girders and lengths of signalling wire, lead and cabling, were seized.

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