SCRAP metal dealers in Harrow have been warned they must have the right licenses in a police crackdown on illegal trading.

In a series of raids, Harrow Police visited premises across the borough to check businesses were working within the law, as part of an operation right across north west London.

Because of high demand for scrap in China, robbers have been targeting abandoned or unused cars and selling the stolen vehicles onto scrapyards – all for under £100 a car.

In Operation Baler yesterday, police found that many the addresses advertised as scrap dealers were actually residential houses or cafés.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Mckechnie said: “More enquiries will be made to establish just who these people are and where they are running their businesses.

“The Safer Neighbourhood Team will investigate the telephone numbers of these businesses. Police will actively pursue those people not operating within the law.”

DS Mckechnie said that police were investigating all scrap metal and it was the responsibility of dealers to check that those selling them scrap had the right license to do so, as part of the Motor Salvage Operations Act.

Sanjay Thakrar, of Brent and Harrow Trading Standards, said that some minor trading infringements had been identified but owners would be given a chance to make adjustments to bring themselves within the law.