BOGUS scrap metal dealers were being targeted in Teesside today as part of a clampdown on rogue traders.

Two people stopped by police during Operation Hercules were found to be working while fraudulently claiming benefits and another three will be investigated in relation to benefit claims.

One rogue trader was fined £300 for not having a licence to trade and six vehicles were found to be unroadworthy, four of which were dangerous and ordered to be taken off the road immediately.

Units from Cleveland Police’s neighbourhood police teams were pulling over Ford Transit-style flat-bed vans to check for stolen goods.

Officials from Middlesbrough Council, the Department for Work and Pensions and VOSA were accompanying police to check drivers were licensed, not fraudulently claiming benefits, and that their vehicles were taxed and insured.

Officers stop checked 20 vehicles carrying assorted scrap around Middlesbrough.

Inspector John Wrintmore said: “I have previously said we have no problem with legitimate dealers who offer a valuable – and valued – service to our communities.

“However my message to unlicensed scrap dealers who think they can trawl our streets taking items from people’s property and transport it in dangerous or defective vehicles is – we will be repeating this operation in the future and you will be caught and dealt with.”