Why it matters: The intelligence-led operation aimed to disrupt organised crime groups who commit offences across county borders whilst using the road network, with just 10 of the 53 vehicles stopped leaving clear of any offences.
The details: The operation took place on Tuesday, 26 August, with vehicles identified as being potentially involved in criminality being brought back to a check site in the car park at Sainsbury's on Hadleigh Road, where police and partner agencies conducted checks.
Officers also focused on road safety and the fatal four offences of drink/drug driving, driving whilst using a mobile phone, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt.
The arrests: Six people were arrested as follows: three for immigration offences; two for drug-driving; and one for a number of offences after failing to stop for police.
By the numbers: 63 Traffic Offence Reports were issued at the check site, including:
16 for no seatbelt
10 for poor condition of vehicle
7 for insecure loads
5 for no insurance
5 for illegal number plates
4 for tinted windows
4 for no tax
3 for no MOT
3 for using a mobile phone
One each for driving whilst disqualified, failing to secure a child, overweight vehicle, not being in proper control, contravening a red light, and no driving licence.
Eight people were breathalysed or wiped for drug driving, with two testing positive. Six vehicles were seized.
One vehicle was stopped due to front and rear number plates failing to conform to the regulations. Upon further inspection by officers they were found to be ghost plates and were surrendered to police.
The agencies involved: The Joint Roads and Armed Policing Team were assisted by officers from the Road Casualty Reduction Team, Commercial Vehicle Unit, Sentinel Team, Local Policing Team and Special Constabulary. Partner agencies included HM Revenue & Customs, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Environment Agency, and Ipswich Borough Council Taxi Licensing.
What they're saying: PC Will Hudson, of the Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: "This was another very successful day of action, with numerous offences detected. 43 of the 53 vehicles brought back to the site recorded offences of some description and what was particularly concerning were the 10 Traffic Offence Reports issued for vehicles that were in a poor condition. It is incumbent on all road users to adhere to the law and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and being driven in a safe manner. Our officers are out on the roads 24/7 enforcing this, but these days help to shine a spotlight on these issues and we hope they can help to educate drivers of the risks."
Tim Passmore, Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "This proactive operation has truly lived up to its name; the results clearly show it was an action-packed day. The officers achieved some tremendous results, proving the worth of these events aimed at keeping criminals and defective vehicles off our county's roads."
The bottom line: The operation successfully identified multiple offences and arrested six people, demonstrating the effectiveness of multi-agency collaboration in targeting criminal activity and ensuring road safety compliance in Ipswich.
