Crackdown in cross-border rural crime

18th February 2019

Gilston Waste Management

Operation Checkpoint is a multi-force, cross-border rural crime operation involving multiple Constabularies.

The Operation is primarily aimed at targeting travelling criminals operating between counties in the North of England. It is recognised that a number of organised crime groups operate between force areas committing acquisitive crime, poaching and wildlife crime offences.

Over the weekend West Lancs Police Neighbourhood officers have been focussing on Hare Coursing and Fly Tipping as this has been raised via the local communities as repeat issues.

We have been patrolling areas that have been identified in the rurals Downholland, Altcar, Haskayne, Halsall, Banks, Tarleton, Burscough, Rufford and Sollom.

• We found four abandoned vehicles identified to be removed by West Lancashire council.
• A stolen vehicle found from West Yorkshire.
• One vehicle seized for having no insurance.
• One vehicle reported for no tax
• Multiple vehicles checked through our systems
• One person reported to court for Public Order for verbally abusing gamekeeper.
• One van searched for scrambler bikes.
• One scrap metal van stopped and waste removals licence checked.
• Various fly tipping spots identified

If you see any suspicious activity in your area please call us on 101