Operation targets rural vehicle and machinery theft
Police say the fight against rural crime continues across South Lancashire
Police say the fight against rural crime continues across South Lancashire, with officers carrying out a targeted checkpoint operation, aimed at disrupting the theft of vehicles, plant machinery, trailers and tractors.
As part of National Rural Crime Action Week, Lancashire Police's South Rural Task Force joined forces, with the Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit, to carry out a proactive operation in West Lancashire.
Officers stopped vehicles passing through the checkpoint, to carry out document checks and ensure drivers were complying with road traffic legislation, including holding valid insurance and vehicle tax.
As part of the operation:
• Several vehicles stopped and checked.
• One driver issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for a driving offence.
• Two vehicles removed from the road after being found to be in an unroadworthy condition.
Police Constable Sean Dalby, from the South Rural Task Force, said: "The theft of vehicles, trailers and agricultural machinery can have a devastating impact on rural businesses and communities.
“Operations like this allow us to proactively target criminality, identify suspicious activity and ensure vehicles on our roads are being used legally and safely.
"This is just a snapshot of the work our team carries out every day across South Lancashire. We remain committed to tackling rural crime, supporting our farming communities and making the countryside a hostile environment for offenders."
Tackling rural crime is a team effort and the public is the police's greatest asset. If something doesn’t feel right, or you think that you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, report it.
If you have concerns about issues which are happening in your area, you can sign up to Lancashire Talking and have your say, here: Home Page - Stay In The Know