Multiple drivers stopped as part of crackdown operation on motorway network

A special operation aimed at cracking down on crime taking place on our motorway networks saw three arrests and eight vehicles seized.

The operation – involving officers from our Operations Patrol Unit (OPU) - took place across Warwickshire from Tuesday 10 October to Thursday 12 October.

Part of a wider national operation led by Surrey Police, it was supported by several other forces including: the Met, Hertfordshire Constabulary, British Transport Police, Sussex Police, Bedfordshire Police, Northamptonshire Police. and Thames Valley Police.

The aim was to target those who cause the most harm to communities through drug, violent and acquisitive crime, and use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and police intelligence to target vehicles on arterial roads and motorways, as well as those using the railway network.

Vehicles were stopped between 5pm and midnight over the three-night period with officers carrying out a range of checks on drivers in a bid to identify potential criminality. They also performed immigration and vehicle safety checks.

Of the vehicles stopped on 10 October, two were seized for having no insurance, one for having no insurance or driving licence, and one for driving with no insurance on an expired provisional licence.

The following evening (11 October) officers stopped several vehicles for having no insurance, being involved in a suspected burglary on another force area, being suspected of being involved in modern slavery and one which was being driven by a disqualified driver.

The final evening of the operation saw a man arrested for immigration offences. Words of advice were given to a speeder and one driver was reported for driving with a revoked licence. 

OPU Chief Inspector Joanne Bunting said: “Many people don’t realise how local and cross-border offenders can use the motorway and railway networks to commit crime.  

“Through this extensive operation, we’ve been able to carry out proactive patrols and stop searches using intelligence. In addition, we’ve identified and disrupted potential offenders in our area.

“There’s no place for this type of criminality in Warwickshire and we will use all the tools at our disposal to catch up with those seeking to carry out crime across our motorway networks.

“I’m grateful to everyone involved in the operation for their tireless work across the three days. All in all, it was an extremely productive operation and I’m proud of the everyone who took part for their hard work and commitment to making it such a success.”

Issued: Laura Maltby, Corporate Communications