200 stolen reg plates and cars seized by police

THREE ARRESTS IN CRACKDOWN

THREE people were arrested and more than 200 stolen or cloned registration plates – and a number of vehicles – were seized when police raided a site in Leicestershire.

Officers executed search warrants at the site in Barlestone Road, Bagworth, near Coalville, on Wednesday.

As well as the registration plates, which are believed to have been used to hide the identity of vehicles, officers also seized six cars, two motorcycles and horsebox trailer, all of which they believed to have been “used to commit crime”.

Three people, including a 16-yearold who was arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle, were detained during the operation.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle.

All three were taken into custody while officers carried out further inquiries at the site.

Engineers from an electricity provider accompanied police to the site and found that the supply had allegedly been bypassed. Superintendent Adam Slonecki, who oversaw the operation, said: “This is part of our ongoing work to tackle vehicle crime and other offences associated with it.

“We’ve recovered a number of cars and motorcycles which are believed to have been used to commit crime, as well as more than 200 number plates which have been stolen or cloned and are used on other vehicles.

“We will continue to act on information, concerns or issues raised by members of the local community.

“I hope the warrants executed this morning can bring some reassurance to people living in the area.”