More than 50 vehicles were stopped in a crackdown on rural crime.

Cambridgeshire's Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) collaborated with Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team and the UK National Rural Crime Unit for Operation Chambers on November 5.

The operation targeted road networks connecting Cambridgeshire with Essex.

The aim was to check vehicle identification and compliance, complete high-visibility patrols of road networks, and stop vehicles towing machinery to check for stolen agricultural machinery, horseboxes, and caravans.

The team were stationed on the M11 where they intercepted vehicles and escorted to the Imperial War Museum car park The team were stationed on the M11 where they intercepted vehicles and escorted to the Imperial War Museum car park (Image: Submitted) The team was stationed on the M11, where they intercepted vehicles and escorted them to the Imperial War Museum car park.

Here, checks were conducted by the ANPR hub, DVSA, DVLA, HMRC Mobile Enforcement Team and Fraud Investigation Service, Environment Agency, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Motor Insurance Bureau, and Data Tag.

Within the six-hour period, more than 50 vehicles were stopped.

The aim was to check vehicle identification and compliance The aim was to check vehicle identification and compliance (Image: Submitted) This resulted in the arrest of a man from Ely on suspicion of drug driving and driving whilst under the influence after failing a drug swipe for cannabis.

A £520 fine was issued for the use of red diesel by the HMRC.

Stolen property, including a trailer, was recovered.

More than 50 vehicles stopped in rural crime crackdown More than 50 vehicles stopped in rural crime crackdown (Image: Submitted) Numerous vehicles were reported for being overweight, having no MOTs, and exhibiting trailer defects.

Vehicles were seized for tax and insurance violations.

Agricultural, construction, and leisure equipment were checked to ensure correct ownership.

Operation Chambers targets rural criminals in Cambridgeshire Operation Chambers targets rural criminals in Cambridgeshire (Image: Submitted)

Sergeant Tom Nuttall from the RCAT said: “This was another successful operation where we were able to work with partner enforcement agencies to target drivers that might be involved in rural crime.

“It is important we remove drivers and vehicles off the road which aren’t safe and could cause accidents.

“We conduct this operation various times throughout the year across different locations in Cambridgeshire and will continue to ensure vehicles and drivers are legally safe on the roads and not using them to commit rural crime.”