Arrests made in week of cross-border action in Cumbria

Operation Checkpoint has been taking place

Author: Matt MaddrenPublished 6th Mar 2024

A cross-border operation targeting rural crime has been in Cumbria.

Operation Checkpoint saw officers from across Cumbria participate during a week of action organised by Northumbria Police involving colleagues from across the North East region and Scotland.

The operation allows officers to work collaboratively to gain intelligence around rural crime, deterring offending and also helps to keep the county’s roads safe.

During the operation officers in Cumbria stopped 41 vehicles, searched six vehicles and ten people.

Two traffic offence reports were submitted with five vehicles uplifted – two for no tax, one Section 165 and two seized following their involvement in crime.

Officer also made three arrests.

Sergeant Amanda McKirdy, from Cumbria Constabulary’s Rural Crime Team, said:

“We are not slowing down in our efforts to make Cumbria a hostile environment for those that travel here to commit crime.

“The Rural Crime Team were joined by partners and officers across Cumbria including those from Response, Neighbourhood Policing, Tactical Support Group, Road Crime Unit and Cumbria’s dog section.

“As well as stopping a number of vehicles we also submitted 12 pieces of intelligence, which help us build a bigger picture.

“I hope that the activity we have been undertaking is reassuring our communities that we are listening to them, and action is being taken. We will continue to show contempt for all types of rural crime and those criminals intent on committing it.

“However, we continue to need the support of our rural communities, this area is under reported and we encourage our communities to be vigilant and report any crimes and any suspicious activity to we can direct our resources accordingly.”

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said:

“This has been yet another superb Police Operation to take criminals out of communities and bring them to justice. A clear illustration if it were needed that we have an effective Police Force dedicated to bearing down on criminals who may mistakenly think they can operate in our county and rural areas.

“We are now starting to really see and feel the effect of the increased officer numbers which have enabled us to establish the Rural Crime Team who together with Roads and Neighbourhood Policing teams are tackling criminals hard to make our communities even safer.

"Our rural areas may be extensive but they are policed and with the help of residents we will continue to keep them safe but a hostile environment for crime and criminals."

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