Newport trader Carl fumes at illegal scrap men

Carl Dixon, a licensed scrap collector in Newport, said he is furious that he is spending thousands of pounds a year to operate and others are still taking his trade.

"I don't go around the streets taking things – the only way I do it is if someone calls and asks me to make a collection," he said.

"A lot of people are getting in touch with me asking if I've taken things, and when I'm saying no they're checking their CCTV and seeing it's unlicensed vans."

He added: "It's been going on for 12 months or more. It's cost me so much money for my licence. This is creating an uneven playing ground.

"I've got a bee in my bonnet. I have to spend thousands of pounds on getting insurance cover and licences and they're getting away scot-free."

It's not just the damage that it's doing to Carl's trade that bothers him but the worry that unexpected collections are causing for people in the town.

"I live by an old people's home and they're terrified," he said.

"They're going up people's drives, taking stuff.

"They're opening gates, going up the drive and taking things unchallenged."

Pc Lee Thomas from the Newport Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "We are aware of an increase in scrap vans visiting our area.

"In some instances the occupants are simply helping themselves to items off people's driveways.

"Clearly there are potential criminal offences there as well as regulations covering how such traders should operate."

Police have urged anyone concerned to call the non-emergency line on 101.

Pc Thomas added: "It greatly helps if people can provide a description of the vehicle and occupants, and of course, the registration number."

Russell Griffin of Telford & Wrekin Council said: "Since the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, it is now the duty of all individuals and businesses who collect scrap metal to then sell on to hold a scrap metal collector's licence.

"If members of the public have any concerns regarding the behaviour of licensed or unlicensed collectors we would encourage them to report this to Telford & Wrekin's licensing team."

Anyone with concerns can call the council on 01952 381818 or use the Everyday Telford app.