Rural cops deal with six offenders in crackdown
THE dedicated Rural Task Force for Rossendale dealt with six drivers for offences after randomly stopping vehicles as part of a targeted crackdown.
Vehicles carrying plant machinery, or towing trailers and caravans were some of those stopped on the A56 to make sure they were travelling legally and safely.
Working with their colleagues from TacOps, a total of 25 vehicles were stopped and guided to a temporary check site, on August 25. Officers and partners from the National Vehicle Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) were then able to utilise specialist equipment to check out the vehicle details, and match them to a national database to check their validity.
Out of the vehicles stopped, many were sent on their way with no questions asked; however, six were dealt with for offences:
● One reported for no licence, driving a flatbed
● One driving a HGV reported for not having the correct HGV qualification on his licence
● One Sec.59 issued - a vehicle being used in an antisocial manner
● One reported for a defective tyre
● One PND issued for possession of drugs
● And one vehicle seized by 165 of the Road Traffic Act PC Dan Haworth led the operation following feedback from local residents on Lancashire Talking, and said he was pleased with the results.
He said: “We’re really happy that today has ended on a positive note for Rossendale and we’ve advised those using our roads on the standards that are expected, so everyone can get home safe.
“We hope that residents see that we take their concerns seriously and will act on them.
“Tackling travelling criminality is a priority for us, and we will continue to listen to the voice of our community and work with partners, including colleagues in Greater Manchester Police, the local council, and specialist teams to ensure Rossendale is a safe place to be.”
Officers were also joined by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden, who was pleased to see the work taking place.
“I’m determined to lead the fight against crime here in Lancashire and it’s been fantastic to be here today seeing proactive policing first-hand,” he said.
“I strongly believe that all areas of Lancashire deserve a strong, dedicated policing presence and this has to include the rural areas of our county.
“The work of our rural task force teams is outstanding and I am determined to invest in rural policing, to build on their successes and to see these teams expand.”