23 vehicles stopped by Police in Scarisbrick

Last week, as part of National Rural Crime Week, the South Rural Task Force along with partner agencies carried out an operation focusing on their commitment to tackle theft of vehicles, plant machinery, trailers and tractors.

Working alongside the Environment Agency and the Lancashire Police Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit, vehicles which passed through our checkpoint in Scarisbrick were stopped by officers to ensure that they carried the correct documents, including tax and insurance.

In the last two years, the South Rural Task force, whilst working alongside other agencies, has recovered around two million pounds worth of stolen property.

As part of the operation:

23 vehicles passed through our checkpoint
1 formal warning was issued by the Environment Agency for not having the appropriate waste carriage licence.
1 driver was issued with two fixed penalty notices for not displaying a registration plate on the front of his vehicle and displaying an illegal plate on the back.
Sgt Darren Carr form the South Rural Task Force, said: “This operation is just a snapshot of the proactive work in which our team carries out every day across South Lancashire to help to keep our communities safe.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Pratt MBE, who also joined officers and partners at one of our checkpoints, added: "It's great to see the Rural Task Force in action and working closely with partner agencies to target criminals and keep our rural communities safe.

"Commissioner Andrew Snowden is committed to ensuring that all areas of Lancashire, both urban and rural, receive the policing service they deserve, and his investment in the rural taskforces means that Lancashire Constabulary now has one of the largest teams dedicated to tackling rural crime in the country."