Police take to roads to crack down on crime in second phase of Operation X

More than 90 police officers, staff and volunteers were out in force on Saturday morning as part of Operation X, which was launched on February 4.

Following alerts from the police’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, the police team stopped around 160 vehicles at the roadside or at spots in Leamington, Rugby and Nuneaton specifically targeted under the operation - and five arrests were made for theft, possession of a class B drug, failing to stop and resisting arrest, obstructing police and drink driving. The arrests were made possible as a result of using ANPR to identify vehicles that may have been operating illegally.

It was the biggest ANPR operation the county has ever seen.

Four of the five arrests were made in Leamington - for possession of a class B drug, obstructing police, drink driving and failing to stop - while six fines were issued and other drivers faced penalties for road tax offences.

Across the county, 55 traffic offences were recorded throughout the day, ranging from driving with a cracked windscreens to tyres’ treads being dangerously below the legal limit.

Staff from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and HMRC Customs were on hand at each site to check vehicles.

Inspector Dean Reid, who heads up the force’s operations support unit, praised the work of the special constabulary who supported the operation.

He said: “We had 41 specials on duty alongside members of the priority policing area teams and the safer neighbourhood teams.

“Warwickshire Police values the work that they do and they were a welcome addition to the teams on this particularly busy day.”

Patrols using drugs dogs were carried out in Rugby, Leamington and Nuneaton to help officers hunt out illegal substances.

The county’s Deputy Chief Constable Neil Brunton, who leads Operation X, said: “Operation X is all about going the extra mile to protect communities where crime occurs the most. Saturday’s operation was focusing on depriving criminals the use of the road by using intelligence-led technology, as well as ensuring vehicles are kept to a legal standard.”

To report crime or suspicious activity in Leamington, call police on 101, tweet @warkspolice#OpX or send a message via Facebook.