Police stop drivers in A423 crack-down operation

Vehicles were stopped and escorted off the A423 to be examined on Wednesday, with four found to have defects with one driver found without insurance.

The five hour Operation Pearl involved 20 Warwickshire Police officers and automatic number plate technology (ANPR) as well as working with trading standards.

Officers also visited nearly 30 county farms to hand out security advice and marking kits and handed out crime prevention kits to 25 van drivers.

Warwickshire Police sergeant, Rich Thomas who led the operation said: “The majority of vehicles we stopped were roadworthy, however the visible deterrent of police should reassure the community that we are committed to preventing crime by offenders on the move on rural Warwickshire roads.

“ANPR is excellent technology because information can be stored on a database; we are alerted when cameras identify a suspect vehicle on the move. It also tells us when drivers don’t have driving licences, insurance, or MOT certificates.

“The operation provided the policing team with an opportunity to visit local farms showing our commitment to the prevention and detection of rural crime and has also helped to make the roads of Warwickshire safer.”