CRIMINALS travelling across county borders in the north west are being targeted today, as part of a police crackdown. 

‘Operation Crossbow’ includes officers from Cheshire Police as well as Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, Staffordshire and West Mercia Police.

The operation is aimed at disrupting criminal activity across the region and denying criminals the use of the road.

Inspector Stuart York from Cheshire Police, said: "We are relentless in our pursuit of organised crime and will use a whole host of tactics to disrupt criminals working in our region.

“Criminals do not simply stop committing crimes when they reach the police border, but instead they rely on the road network to enable them to commit criminal offences.

“There is a strong link between the illegal use of vehicles and other serious and organised crime, which is why we are working together with our colleagues to target these criminals as they travel across the region.

“This is one of the largest partnership operations Cheshire Police has ever undertaken, with more than 200 officers taking part.

“These officers all have access to technology and intelligence such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), which is an excellent tool to allow officers to identify offenders and bring them to justice.

“The message is clear - you use stolen vehicles, you drive illegally, you travel the roads to commit crime, then we will target you”

Police are urging people to report illegal use of vehicles by calling 101.

 Alternatively information can be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.