SUSPICIOUS vehicles were searched during scrap metal police operations across East Lancashire.

Police stopped vehicles in locations they highlighted as major routes for the transportation of theft metals.

About 25 vehicles were pulled over on the A6068 in Padiham, Padiham Road, Rossendale Road and Accrington Road in Burnley, and Manchester Road in Hapton.

The demand for lead and copper overseas means criminals can make quick, easy money by selling scrap metal to unscrupulous buyers.

Sgt Marianne Slater, of the Padiham neighbourhood policing team, said: “The operation was a response to an increase in scrap metal thefts across Burnley and Padiham.

“A lot of it was about disrupting the activity of these people and gaining intelligence and information for future use.”

The Environment Agency was also involved in the and they stopped eight vehicles for not having waste carrier licences.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) examined 12 vehicles and issued notices on two for being unroadworthy.

Police seized two vehicles and also issued three tickets for vehicles with defects.

A similar operation was held in Blackburn where 20 motorists were spoken to.

Residents in the north east and south west areas of Blackburn reported several recent thefts from gardens and yards as well as sightings of people in vans cruising along alleyways.

Community beat manager for Brookhouse and Bastwell, PC Stephen Dundon, said police acted in response to the “unnerving” reports to reassure the public.

He said vehicles were pulled over at checkpoints in Whalley New Road and Bolton Road in Blackburn, with 20 motorists spoken to.

Officers visited scrapyards with Environment Agency officers Lee Collins and Alan Corlett and checked for waste carrier licences.

As a result of one white van being pulled over near Junction Four of the M65, police found the remnants of a cannabis set-up including compost bags, cannabis plant leaves and growing tents.

The 26-year-old driver and 24-year-old passengers were arrested on suspicion of cannabis possession.

Officers searched their houses and seized the van.

The 26-year-old was given a caution for cannabis possession and the 24-year-old man was released without charge.