Police across the Bradford district have held another major blitz on metal thieves.

The operation formed part of a national day of action which continued yesterday.

Police have warned that the pressure will be maintained on those behind the crime and officers are urging the public to continue to provide information to help bring the culprits to justice.

All eight police divisions in West Yorkshire took part in the latest crackdown, which saw eight people arrested and four vehicles seized.

In Keighley and Shipley, officers stopped and checked 36 vehicles and a man wanted on warrant was arrested.

Also, a car was seized for no insurance in Keighley after the driver failed to stop when ordered.

Searches were carried out at three scrapyards and intelligence was gathered, while Bradford Council – one of several partner organisations involved in the operation – issued three cautions to drivers in relation to waste carriers’ licences.

Those who supported the day of action included British Transport Police, the Environment Agency and Northern Electric.

Chief Inspector Carl Burkey, of Airedale and North Bradford Police, said: “Metal theft is a crime which can be life threatening to thieves and seriously disrupt commuters when it affects rail services, and it is important that scrap dealers remain vigilant when offered metal.

“We will continue to work closely with all partners and would urge anyone who has information about metal theft to contact ourselves or Crimestoppers.

“One of the main solutions to this issue is for members of the community to be our eyes and ears on the ground and to report any suspicious activity they see.”

In Bradford South, five scrapyards were visited and seven vehicles stopped.

Three arrests were made and two breaches of waste carriers’ licences were discovered.

Detective Chief Inspector Mabs Hussain, the district’s lead on metal theft, said: “It is an issue that has a direct impact on both people and businesses, whether it is thieves taking plaques marking the passing away of a loved one, or the ripping down of electricity cabling disrupting power supplies.

“This day of action, together with previous operations we have run demonstrates our continual commitment to tackle this type of crime.”

People with information about metal theft can call the non-emergency number, 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.