October 22 2011.


A total of 55 vehicles were stopped on Monday 17 October as part of Operation Hover, a multi agency crackdown designed to disrupt and detect metal theft and waste crime offences within Lewes District.

Newhaven and Seaford neighbourhood policing teams ran the operation in conjunction with the road policing unit, Trading Standards, Environment Agency and VOSA at the Hollow on the A26 just north of Newhaven and the weighbridge site at Beddingham on the A27.

PC Justin Denney from Newhaven neighbourhood police team said: "The day of action was a great success and sends out a strong message that all agencies across Lewes District are working together in the prevention and detection of issues that affect the community."

The vehicles stopped consisted of open backed flat back transit vans, enclosed transit style vans and other commercial vehicles. All the vehicles were inspected and the drivers questioned and checked.

VOSA found a total of seven vehicles that were issued with prohibition orders. The other three orders were delayed prohibition orders.

The road policing unit issued two fixed penalty notices.

One person was found to be in possession of cannabis and was later cautioned.

Lewes District Council will be writing to four companies concerning their need to register with the Environment Agency as waste carriers. If they have not registered within the month then further action will be taken.