Arrests and vehicles seized in roads policing operation

Arrests and vehicles seized in roads policing operation

Greater Manchester Police stopped 627 vehicles in a day of action targeting criminals using the roads and motorway networks across the county.

More than 160 specialist operations and divisional police officers and 42 Specials Constables were involved in today’s crackdown conducting roadside checks at numerous sites across the force area.

As a result of the operation 23 arrests were made for offences including burglary, theft of motor vehicle, metal theft and drugs offences.

Also as part of the operation, 49 cars that were being driven without insurance or road tax were seized. A total of 290 fixed penalty notices were issued together with 269 drivers receiving advice for various road traffic offences.

During the operation Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras were used to detect vehicles being driven illegally or having a connection with criminal activity. These cameras are used to scan vehicle registrations as they drive past and police are automatically alerted if the vehicle is linked to intelligence on known criminals.

Superintendent Craig Thompson, from GMP’s Specialist Operations Branch, said: “Today’s operation was geared to disrupting the illegal activities of criminals using the roads in Greater Manchester.

“Criminals tend not to be over concerned about ensuring their vehicles are insured and taxed. Many are also unroadworthy and pose a real danger to other road users.

“By targeting them in this way we are able to get them off the roads, make our highways safer for everyone and harder for offenders to commit crime.

“Criminals can be assured that this is not just a one-off operation. We have patrols on the roads 365 days of the year and will continue to target criminals in this way. We are determined not to allow people to drive untaxed, uninsured cars on our roads.”

“Law-abiding citizens can help us keep criminals off our roads by reporting illegal use of vehicles to us directly on 101, the new national non-emergency number, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.”