54 vehicles seized in GMP’s biggest ever automatic number plate recognition operation

54 vehicles seized for not being licensed, insured or taxed

Fifty four vehicles were seized across Greater Manchester yesterday for not being licensed, insured or taxed.

The work was part of Greater Manchester Police’s biggest ever operation to take criminals off the roads, and to stop vehicles being driven illegally.

Over 250 officers in more than 100 police cars monitored main routes using ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras, and carried out 1,810 checks on vehicles and their occupants during the 12-hour crackdown.

Eleven arrests were made for offences including possession of Class A drugs, possession of an offensive weapon, assault and affray, and five others were arrested for outstanding warrants. Enquiries into one person led to the discovery of a cannabis farm at a property in Whalley Range.

In addition, police recovered two stolen vehicles and recorded 201 traffic offences for matters such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile while driving.

Ninety four motorists were also advised on their speed and manner of driving.

Superintendent Craig Thompson, who oversaw the operation, said: “This was a tremendous result, and sends out a strong message to criminals that they cannot use the roads with impunity, and to other motorists that they must have the correct documents.

“ANPR technology is an invaluable tool in identifying vehicles connected to crime, or those being driven illegally, and we will continue to use it to bring offenders to justice.”