Scrap dealers in Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere received unannounced visits from police as part of a crack down on metal thefts.

Officers checked dealers to make sure they had licences to trade as part of new regulations, which came into force on December 1.

During the operation, which took place over December 2 and 3, officers also pulled over vehicles suspected of being involved in scrap metal dealing.

Chief Inspector of Operations David Partridge said: "The new legislation gives us another tool to help identify anyone who is dealing in stolen metal. The new licences help us to work with registered dealers and identify those who continue to trade illegally.

"It also means that criminals who steal things like catalytic converters and telecoms cable have fewer places to sell it. During the course of these operations it was good to see that all yards were complying with the new legislation."

No arrests or offences were detected during the operation.

Hertfordshire’s police commissioner, David Lloyd, added: "The new legislation will help to regulate the scrap metal trade and crack down on illegal trading. We are already making good progress in working with legitimate dealers and taking full advantage of this new tool in the fight against metal theft.

"Metal theft is seriously damaging to the local economy and can have long term effects on businesses and residents. This new law helps to ensure that traders are licensed and allows us to keep track of who is selling metal, where it has come from and where it ends up."