Vehicles seized during rural crime operation in Cumbria
54 were stopped for routine checks
54 vehicles were stopped in Cumbria last week as part of efforts to disrupt rural crimes in the area.
Operation Checkpoint is the largest rural crime operation of its kind in the UK and sees several police forces in the North of England working together to prevent and tackle rural acquisitive crime, wildlife and poaching offences.
Out of the 54 stopped for routine checks, six vehicles were searched with four being seized by officers for offences of no insurance, no tax and failing to stop for officers.
During the night seven people were also subject to stop and search powers with one driver arrested on suspicion of drug driving.
Sergeant Amanda McKirdy, Cumbria Constabulary’s Rural Crime Team, said:
“This operation sees officers from departments across the force work together to tackle rural crime.
“We are committed to targeting travelling rural criminals and are keen to encourage people to report suspicious activity.
“This operation was also conducted by our bordering forces, as rural crime offenders will often cross county boundaries to commit their crimes in their attempt to evade detection.
“By sharing information and taking action, we are actively disrupting criminal activity which in turn makes our rural communities a safer place.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said:
“This is one of my key priorities – tackling rural crime. As Cumbria is mostly a rural county it is incredibly important that we protect our most isolated communities and businesses.
“By working with neighbouring forces to tackle rural crime, we have a stronger ability to stop criminals from crossing county borders with stolen goods.
“Over the years we have seen a reduction in the visible police presence in our rural market towns whereby stations have closed. It is therefore incredibly important that we now start to put back the resource and the visibility, and most importantly, the targeted activity to tackle criminality affecting our vulnerable rural areas. I hope that as a result of the additional activity that the public and our rural communities feel reassured by this work to keep them, their families and their homes safe.
“As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I am your voice in policing and fire. If you have any concerns around rural crime, or any crime type, please let me know by emailing [email protected] or calling 01768 217734.”