Operation Tornado

Operation Tornado was spearheaded by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), the Home Office, British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), British Transport Police (BTP) to target the alarming increase in metal theft.

As of 3 January 2012, those selling scrap metal to participating dealers will be required to provide proof of their identity. Accepted proof includes a photo card driving license with an address; a passport or national ID card supported with a recent utility bill no more than three months old with an address.

The project, which was successfully rolled out by National Project Lead Chief Inspector Robin Edwards, was the test bed for the new legislation. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 changed the face of metal recycling in the UK.

With over 86% of UK scrap dealers signed up to the voluntary identification measures Operation Tornado dramatically reduced metal theft and is considered a success.

In recognition for his part in developing the new legislation and rolling out Operation Tornado , initially in the North East and then nationally, Robin was awarded the National Metail Theft Taskforce award.

Robin is seen here at the launch of Operation Tornado with Lord Henley.