Two arrests and seven vehicles seized as part of police crackdown against traffic crime

Officers from Durham Constabulary were on patrol in the Peterlee area as part of Operation Belinda – which focuses on vehicles and locations with suspected links to crime.

And on Wednesday, June 10 alone, the team made two arrests and seized seven vehicles as part of their work to keep the area safe.

Utilising on-board automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, officers were able to identify traffic offences in real-time and take action.

Two disqualified drivers were dealt with by police at the roadside, while seven uninsured vehicles – including one which had been uninsured for almost a year – were taken in by the force.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving after failing a roadside drugs wipe. He was later was released under investigation.

A 27-year-old man was arrested following a pursuit in the Wingate area when a green Subaru Legacy failed to stop.

He was later charged with failing to stop, driving whilst disqualified, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, and possession of cannabis.

He remains in police custody on Thursday, June 11.

Neighbourhood Inspector Emma Kay added: “This is a fantastic example of the results we can achieve through targeted patrols and intelligence-led policing.

“I hope this operation reiterates that we will not tolerate those who drive illegally or use our roads to facilitate other crime.”

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