More than a dozen scrap metal vehicles were seized in Bexley in a police operation to tackle metal theft.

Officers from the Met’s Traffic Unit helped colleagues from Bexley stage the pre-planned action against metal thieves which took place across the borough.

A total of 16 vehicles were seized for having no insurance, 15 of which were scrap metal collection vehicles.

Eleven of the vehicles belonged to a company called City Scrap London and all of its drivers have been reported.

A 26-year-old Polish national was arrested for driving while disqualified and possession of amphetamines.

He has been bailed until Wednesday. 

Four drivers had their metal loads seized for being unlicensed or having no records relating to the loads.

Chief Inspector Andy Johnstone from the Met’s South East Traffic Unit said: "Driving without insurance is an offence which affects everyone.

"The message to uninsured drivers is to get it sorted immediately otherwise we will seize your vehicle and prosecute you - it’s just a matter of time."