Police make 15 arrests in cross border operation

A cross border police operation in response to rural crime in Bridgnorth and criminals travelling through the county to commit has seen 15 people arrested.

On Monday and Tuesday night West Mercia Police joined forces with officers from Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Police to carry out the initiative.

The operation, led by West Mercia Police saw more than 200 vehicles stopped.

Five people were arrested in connection with theft offences and two people were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.

During the operation nine vehicles were seized for no insurance and seven people arrested for driving under the influence of either drink or drugs.

Bridgnorth Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant, Chris Thomas, said: "It's been great that we've been able to work closely with our neighbouring forces to target those criminals who think they can travel throughout the region and into our county to commit crime.

"By working together we've been able to share information to make sure we are sending a clear message to those who are causing the most harm in our communities."

The two day operation follows previous operations carried out in Bridgnorth and Craven Arms targeting criminals travelling into rural areas to commit crime.

Sgt Thomas added: "I hope our rural communities feel reassured about the work we're doing to disrupt criminals and help keep them and their property safer."