Lancashire Police carry out target checkpoints from farms with targeted checkpoints
A campaign aims to cut thefts of farm equipment
Police are 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:
- Multiple vehicles were stopped and checked.
- One driver was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for a driving offence.
- Two vehicles were removed from the road after being found to be in an unroadworthy condition.
PC 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.”