Confiscated cars on show to deter vehicle crime

Police are parking seized vehicles outside Rochdale police station as warnings to potential law-breakers who might be thinking of driving without insurance, road tax, a MOT or a driving licence.

Display vehicles will be regularly changed to emphasise that police seize all kinds of vehicles everyday in a bid to keep our roads safe for drivers and pedestrians.

Greater Manchester Police was given the power to seize uninsured vehicles in 2006. Since then 43,817 vehicles have been seized with many being sent to the crusher.

Chief Superintendent Phil Hollowood, head of GMP’s Specialist Operations Branch, that includes traffic policing, said: “We want to highlight that people who are driving vehicles that are not taxed, insured and MOTed are breaking the law and putting people’s lives at risk.

“Their vehicles tend to be unroadworthy, badly maintained and in some cases downright dangerous. Uninsured drivers can cause all kinds of complications in the event of a collision and can leave law-abiding drivers with no avenue for recompense.

“Our research shows that people who drive without appropriate documentation tend also to be involved in other criminality. By seizing and destroying cars from these rogue motorists we disrupt and deter a whole range of other crimes and help make our county a safer place to live, work and visit.”