A HYNDBURN man has been found guilty at Burnley Magistrates Court of operating as an unlicensed scrap metal dealer in Pendle.

Stefan Sawyer, of Walter Street, Huncoat must now pay a total of £795, having being seen by a Pendle PCSO collecting scrap metal on a Nelson back street.

Saywer, 31, who failed to appear in court, was fined £600 and told to pay £135 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Mick Armfield, Pendle Council’s licensing enforcement officer, said: “Pendle Council, in partnership with the police, will continue to robustly enforce the legislation relating to scrap metal dealers.

“In order to comply with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 all mobile scrap metal collectors must be licensed with the local authority in the area where they are collecting.

“Sawyer was not licensed by Pendle Council and therefore broke the law by collecting from properties in the borough.

“This hefty fine and the associated costs sends out a clear message that it’s not worth operating your business unless you have the correct licence to do so.”

Sgt Shaun Pearson of Lancashire police said: “The theft of scrap metal has been an issue for a number of years. The introduction of the present legislation in 2013 has made it harder for illegal collectors to operate.

“We will continue to work with other agencies to disrupt metal theft and bring offenders to justice.”

Coun David Clegg, Pendle Council’s executive member for environmental services, said: “If anyone in Pendle has any metal household items that they need to get rid of, remember that Pendle Council operates a free bulky household waste collection.

“You can arrange for items such as washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, cookers and metal radiators to be collected — just call (01282) 661743.”