PENDLE Council is targeting scrap metal theft after receiving reports that unlicensed mobile dealers have been seen operating illegally in the borough.

New legislation was introduced in October 2013 to ensure all mobile scrap metal collectors were licensed with the local authority in the area where they collected.

Mick Armfield, Pendle Council’s licensing enforcement officer, stressed: “There’s no excuse for not having a licence. The cost of a mobile collector’s licence is just £110 for three years. This equates to around 70p per week.”

The council’s licensing team is now urging residents to be vigilant and contact them if they see any suspicious activity.

The team particularly wants to hear about activity involving flat-back vehicles laden with scrap metal being driven down back streets.

One unlicensed Pendle collector has already been prosecuted and fined £600.

Sergeant Kim De Curtis, of the West Craven neighbourhood policing team, said: “Lancashire Police fully supports the council’s operation involving illegal scrap collectors.

“We’ve carried out a number of joint operations with Pendle Council and other partner agencies to combat this problem and these operations will continue.

“They not only include patrolling and actively seeking out offenders, but we link in with other agencies to deal with offences such as construction and use of vehicles, insurance and driving offences.”

To report suspicious behaviour, ring Pendle Council’s licensing team on 01282 661987.

To apply for a licence, pick up an application pack from Nelson Town Hall or call 01282 661987.

Residents are reminded that Pendle Council operates a free bulky household waste collection.

To arrange for items such as washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, cookers and metal radiators to be collected, ring 01282 661743 or fill in a form on Pendle Council's website at pendle.gov.uk/bulkywaste