Multi-agency operation disrupts cross-border rural crime
25 vehicles were stopped across a six hour period
More than 20 vehicles were stopped as part of a day of action to tackle rural crime along the border between Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.
Cambridgeshire’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) and Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) joined forces with Lincolnshire’s RCAT to carry out Operation Chambers on Tuesday, targeting motorists on the A16 which connects the two counties.
The teams patrolled the area, intercepting vehicles and escorting them to Thorney Road South in Crowland, Lincolnshire, where checks could be carried out.
Across a six hour period 25 vehicles were stopped, 91 untaxed vehicles were identified and a 35-year-old man was detained for immigration offences.
Checks were conducted by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA), His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Environment Agency, Peterborough City Council, and the UK National Rural Crime Unit.
Sergeant Tom Nuttall, from Cambridgeshire’s RCAT and coordinator of the operation, said: “We understand the frustration of those who are victims of crime such as agricultural and machinery theft, and so days such as this are a perfect chance for us to work together to seek stolen property and disrupt criminals.
“This operation highlights the importance of taking a collaborative approach in tackling rural crime and reinforces the commitment of all partners to safeguarding rural communities and holding offenders to account.”
Peter Stark, enforcement team leader from the Environment Agency, said: “Those involved in waste crime can often be associated with other offending and are of interest to other agencies.
“Coming together on these days of action allow us all to maintain strong partnerships and share information while helping to protect the environment, communities, and legitimate businesses.”