A joint operation between Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales Police was carried out on Wednesday, 1st June, which targeted travelling criminals.
Operation Crossbow was aimed at disrupting criminality and increasing safety on the road networks. The joint action targeted vehicles with known links to crime and disorder.
As a result of the operation seven vehicles were seized for no insurance and 1 was suspected of being stolen. Additionally 35 Traffic Offence Reports were issued for a variety of offences, with many being for the use of a mobile phone whilst driving and 4 drug wipes were used which led to 1 arrest.
There were also multiple stop checks of known criminals using the road network and a prolific offender was arrested for robbery, excess alcohol, assault, false imprisonment and criminal damage to a police car.
The lead officer for the operation, Detective Chief inspector Paul Beauchamp, said: "These results show that the operation has been a success. Criminals often cross borders to conduct their activity and in many cases, there is a link between illegal vehicles and other serious crime.
"This operation was about using joint resources to make the roads in our region a hostile place for travelling criminals who do harm in our communities."
Using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, officers were able to monitor virtually every vehicle which crossed the border between the three counties.
"We have a great range of resources such as the ANPR cameras and the technology is brilliant in identifying offenders and bringing them to justice.
"The message remains clear - you use stolen vehicles, you drive illegally, you travel the roads to commit crime, then we will target you."
Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane, said: "I am determined to ensure that criminals are not given an easy ride, thinking they can use our roads to conduct their illegal activity.
"Operations such as these are key to tackling cross-border crime and I am pleased to see our officers in Cheshire working effectively with their colleagues in Merseyside and North Wales to tackle this menace."
Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales Police are keen to remind the public that they too can help keep our roads safer by reporting illegal use of vehicles to the police on 101. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
