Taskforce targets dodgy driver documents in organised crime purge
Occupants of over 70 per cent of vehicles stopped by a special task force in Sleaford have been found to have at least one issue with their documents, police say.
A multi-agency taskforce carried out a day of action in Sleaford on Thursday (January 29), targeting those who use fraudulent driving and identity documents as part of a wider operation to tackle organised crime networks.
It follows a similar event in Boston last October.
Commenting on the latest event, known as Operation Foxtail, a Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said: “This was a fruitful operation bringing together a team from Specialist Operations, specifically trained Roads Policing Specials, and detectives from CID. Partner agencies included: DVSA, Immigration and Customs Enforcement colleagues.”
They explained that organised criminals rely on road networks to move people or goods as part of their operations. When they do, they can be targeted by road traffic legislation.
Lincolnshire Police added: "Criminals routinely use false documents to evade detection - but these are far more than simple attempts to stay hidden. They are clear warning signs of organised, deep‑rooted criminal activity. By working directly with partner agencies, we are actively identifying and shutting down those who exploit the road network to drive their criminal enterprises: moving illegal goods, enabling exploitation, facilitating human trafficking, and committing other serious offences. Multi‑agency operations like this are not optional - they are critical to protecting the public.
“Together, we are delivering a firm message: our determination to make Lincolnshire’s roads and communities safer is absolute. If you use the road network to commit crime, we will find you - and we will act.”
The taskforce working around the Sleaford area carried out over 40 stops and ended up seizing three vehicles to combat illegal or unsafe driving and another notice was issued preventing a vehicle from being used on public roads due to safety.
Officers also made an arrest for possession of false documents with intent to deceive and another arrest of someone believed to have overstayed their permitted time in this country.
There were also two summons to court for no licence / insurance, one for use of cloned plates / driving while disqualified / no insurance, six Traffic Offence Reports for no insurance / MOT / seatbelts / contravening a red light, one form issued requiring a minor defect of a rear red light to be repaired, four vehicles issued with DVSA requests to remedy tyre pressure / tread / brake lights or common driving faults such as poor junction observation, traffic sign adherence. There were also seven immigration action and intelligence matters and a set of loose vehicle registration plates were also located and returned to the owner.