Cross border criminals targeted in multi agency operation

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08 May 2012

Knutsford Police have mounted an operation to tackle criminals who use the main arterial routes into Cheshire to target residents and businesses.

On Monday 30th April 2012 police were out in force with officers from HMRC and Cheshire East's Consumer Protection & Investigations Team (Trading Standards) patrolling the A50 between Lymm Truck Stop and Long Lane in Allostock.

This 10.5 mile stretch and its surrounding roads were targeted by the officers who were stopping vehicles to make a range of checks.

This included everything from the use of illegal diesel and stolen plant machinery to traffic offences.

Inspector Steve Griffiths said:

The vehicles were either flagged up on automatic number recognition systems or purely due to the officers' own judgement.

The aim was to disrupt criminality, gather information and reassure the community.

As a result of the day's operation which was organised by PC Andy Baker, a total of 41 vehicles were stopped between 8.30am to 1pm.

Seven drivers were given fixed penalty notice for a range of offences including speeding and overloading vehicles.

Two drivers were given fines for not wearing seatbelts.

One person was dealt with for driving without a license and no insurance.

We also gained a lot of information that will help us in our fight against rural crimes.

HMRC discovered a vehicle with illegal bio diesel which has led to an investigation into unlicensed distribution.

The Consumer Protection & Investigations Team made checks on 17 traders, including business papers, trade associations, advertising and the goods being carried on the vehicles. Business advice packs were provided and an investigation has been launched into a suspected false trade association membership claim.

Today's operation was a huge success by deterring illegal activity and making it harder for criminals who cross the border to commit crimes against our residents.

We will continue to do such high profile events to continue our campaign against cross border crime.

Cheshire East Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said:

We want the people of Cheshire East to feel confident in who they purchase goods from and secure in the knowledge that traders are law-abiding. These partnership operations go a long way to easing people's fears as well as supporting legitimate traders.