On suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft, document and driving offences, eleven men were arrested in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and West Yorkshire, reported Derbyshire police.
During the operation, officers also recovered two HGVs which were believed to have been cloned and a lorry which was believed to have been stolen.
A number of other vehicles were also seized due to document, driving or traffic offences, the announcement adds.
“The aim of the operation was to deter crimes affecting freight on our roads with increased patrols in hot-spot areas such as lay-bys or parking areas on major routes through our county, while sharing information and existing intelligence to target travelling criminality,” said PC Johnathan Terry, who helped coordinate the operation in Derbyshire.
The police also found that because of Derbyshire’s location, a lot of lorries stop in the area to overnight, and while most do so without any issues, there is also an increased risk of HGVs being targeted.
Derbyshire police units have been working with officers from Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and West Yorkshire to target criminals using the road networks.
PC Terry added:
“Working alongside other police forces in our region has helped us to achieve a successful operation to target crimes which not only has an impact on businesses, but for drivers who may fear being hurt and all of us who may see increased prices for goods and disruption to supply chains.
The operation saw officers working to help deter criminal gangs from targeting delivery lorries by ensuring police are present in hot-spot areas, especially during the evenings, and sharing details of reports and information across borders.
“We will be continuing to work to keep our roads safe, and further similar operations are being planned for the future,” the officer reassured public.
The police have called on drivers to contact them if they notice any suspicious activity, or have any information about crime in Derbyshire.
In case of a non-emergency, feel free to reach out to Derbyshire Constabulary on any of the following contacts:
- Facebook – you can send a private message to its Facebook page
- Twitter – direct message its contact centre via @DerPolContact
- Website – the constabulary has got several crime reporting tools on its website or you can use its online contact form: https://orlo.uk/gwcy5
- Phone – call them on 101
Drivers can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website: https://orlo.uk/YOLfj
If a crime is in progress or life is in immediate danger, the number to call is always 999.
Photo credits @ Derbyshire Constabulary