Police action to tackle cross border crime

Local officers teamed-up with colleagues from North Wales and Staffordshire last night in the latest initiative under Operation Vulture.

Operation Vulture has been running for several years, with officers from the forces working together in a co-ordinated response targeting travelling criminals, moving from county to county usually at night, intent on theft, burglary and other serious crimes.

It has resulted in major successes in arresting offenders and recovering stolen property.

Last night, more than 20 officers were involved, using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology to spot suspect cars.

Around 50 vehicles were stopped in Shropshire and the other two counties and four warnings were issued for cannabis possession.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “The whole purpose of Operation Vulture is for the police to operate as a team to make ourselves as effective as possible in tackling what we call cross border crime, where criminals are travelling around from one area to another.

“It’s designed to disrupt and detect offenders in transit while helping protect members of the public and their property.

“Op Vulture is just one aspect of policing and has proved highly effective. We will be continuing with this work and urge people in Shropshire to contact the police on 0300-333-3000 if they have any information which might assist.

“Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111.”