DENYING CRIMINALS THE USE OF THE ROADS

Officers from Dorset Police worked with colleagues from Hampshire Constabulary to deny criminals the use of a main route linking the two counties – as part of a combined operation called Utah.

Operation Utah took place on the A31 at Ashley Heath, near Ferndown, on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September 2008.

The aim of the operation was to detect and disrupt travelling criminals using this main route and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology was used to monitor passing vehicles.

ANPR systems instantly check up to 3,000 vehicles an hour against various databases of intelligence. This includes information provided by police officers, Crimestoppers, the DVLA and other forces about vehicles used by disqualified drivers, people wanted on warrant and those who are suspected of committing crime.

During the operation, 136 vehicles were stopped with a total of 3 arrests made – including one arrest for possession of a false driving licence.

Over 300 pirate DVDs were seized from one vehicle, and the driver was arrested for trading standards and immigration issues.

In addition, 11 vehicles were seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act for having no insurance or licence and 25 fixed penalty notices were issued for offences including no tax or MOT.

More than 20 officers and staff from Dorset Police and Hampshire Constabulary took part in the operation. Representatives from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) were also present to check vehicles for any defects – resulting in 19 vehicle prohibitions.

On Friday 5 September, the operation had to be brought to a close earlier than planned due to urgent operational requirements elsewhere in the county.

Sergeant Mark Williams, of the Dorset Police ANPR Unit, said: “Once again, this has been an excellent opportunity to work in collaboration with Hampshire to tackle criminality on the roads.

“Despite the early finish, due to operational commitments, Utah was another significant success. During the operation we worked with our partners to uncover serious offences of no insurance and no driving licence, took vehicles in a dangerous state of repair off the road and made three arrests.

“We remain committed to an even safer Dorset for all residents and visitors and will continue to work to deny criminals the use of the roads.”

For general enquiries or to report a non-urgent crime, call Dorset Police on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22. Only dial 999 if life is in danger or a crime is in progress.