Police launch campaign to tackle criminal activity on Suffolk's roads
There will be focused patrols and increased vehicle checks
Suffolk's Roads and Armed Policing Team's taking part in a month-long campaign this April, designed to target drivers committing the ‘fatal four’ offences.
These offences are:
Excess speed
Using a mobile phone
Failing to wear a seatbelt
Drink and drug driving
The campaign's part of an initiative known as 'Operation Spotlight' which is organised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).
It'll see officers give particular focus to those using our county's road network for criminal gain, with the NPCC saying stopping a vehicle for a routine offence such as having no insurance can often lead to the discovery of other offences like drug dealing, human trafficking and facilitating burglary and theft.
The team in Suffolk will be using the month to target the strategic road network with focused patrols and increased vehicle checks.
Marked and unmarked units will work in collaboration with the Sentinel Team (ANPR team) to track and apprehend criminals using Suffolk's roads for illegal enterprise - in a bid to disrupt organised crime gangs and maintain the safety of the county's road users.
"It is our daily mission to increase awareness and reduce collisions on our roads"
Inspector Gary Miller, of the Joint Norfolk & Suffolk Roads & Armed Policing Team, said: “While this campaign provides us with the opportunity to focus on all of the ‘Fatal Four’ offences which result in death or serious injury, we are placing a specific focus on criminal use of the road.
“Criminals will use the road network to travel in and out of the county to commit crime and this campaign provides us with the perfect opportunity to impede on their activity and ultimately improve road safety.
“All ‘fatal four’ offences result in equally devastating consequences and it is our daily mission to increase awareness and reduce collisions on our roads.”
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “I was extremely pleased to see at first-hand the work of the Roads & Armed Policing team when I spent a shift out with them earlier this week.
“The team has a pivotal role in keeping Suffolk’s roads safe and free-flowing, which is important for both residents and businesses alike, and the work they do to disrupt criminals and protect communities across Suffolk’s road network is second to none.”
“I fully support these pro-active campaigns. They send out a strong, clear message to those who choose not to comply with the ‘fatal four’ that Suffolk Constabulary is on the case.”