Seven vehicles are seized as police clamp down
A police operation clamping down on vehicle crime led to two arrests and seven seizures in just one day.
Officers from Durham Constabulary were on patrol in the Peterlee area as part of Operation Belinda – which focuses on vehicles and locations with suspected links to crime.
And on Wednesday, alone, the team made two arrests and seized seven vehicles as part of their work to keep the area safe.
Utilising on-board automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, officers were able to identify traffic offences in real-time and take action.
Two disqualified drivers were dealt with by police at the roadside.
Seven uninsured vehicles – including one which had been uninsured for almost a year – were taken in by the force.
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after failing a roadside drugs wipe.
He was later was released under investigation.
A 27-year-old man was arrested following a pursuit in the Wingate area when a green Subaru Legacy failed to stop.
He was later charged with failing to stop, driving whilst disqualified, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and possession of cannabis.
He remained in police custody yesterday.
Neighbourhood Inspector Emma Kay added: “This is a fantastic example of the results we can achieve through targeted patrols and intelligence-led policing.
“I hope this operation reiterates that we will not tolerate those who drive illegally or use our roads to facilitate other crime.”