EIGHT scrapyards were raided, seven arrests made and vehicles stopped on the motorway during an operation involving three police forces.

Police in Durham and Cleveland carried out inquiries as part of Operation Hansel, a national day of action targeting the theft and handling of stolen metal.

Officers carried out unannounced inspections at four metal dealers in Darlington and four in the Cleveland force area, as well as set up a checkpoint on the A1(M) at Scotch Corner, North Yorkshire, on Friday.

No offences were recorded at any of the scrapyards. However, further inquiries are being carried out in relation to a quantity of overhead power cable found in one yard and may have been imported from overseas.

Officers stopped four vehicles found to be travelling without valid insurance, one of which was over its legal axle weight, and two drivers for committing offences under waste carrying legislation.

Area crime teams made seven arrests including three men suspected of stealing lead.

Chief Superintendent Dave Orford, who is leading the operation against scrap metal thieves in the Durham area, said: "There are still many criminals prepared to take risks to steal metal and it is these people we are targeting.

These action days will continue on a regular basis."