POLICE have today made two arrests and seized a quantity of suspected stolen catalytic converters during an operation to tackle rural crime in West Norfolk and the Fens.. More than 30 vehicles were pulled over for checks as they travelled through the Norf

POLICE have today made two arrests and seized a quantity of suspected stolen catalytic converters during an operation to tackle rural crime in West Norfolk and the Fens..

More than 30 vehicles were pulled over for checks as they travelled through the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire border in a multi-agency crackdown to tackle fuel and metal theft.

The event was part of Norfolk Constabulary's Operation Radar, its on-going campaign to target rogue traders, bogus callers and those involved in affiliated rural crime.

Local police officers and PCSOs joined forces with road policing colleagues, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to identify and take action against offenders travelling along the A17 and A47.

Det Sgt Pete Jessop, the Constabulary's lead on Operation Radar, said: "Today's action primarily intended to target those involved in fuel and metal theft, those driving illegally or in unroadworthy vehicles.

"These offences are often interlinked with other forms of criminality and, as such, form an integral part of our operation to target criminals operating in rural areas."

The operation, led by Sgt Mark Cant from the Terrington Safer Neighbourhood Team, saw 30 vehicles pulled over for road safety and police checks.

During one stop, police seized eight suspected stolen catalytic converters and arrested two men on suspicion of theft and possession of an offensive weapon.

A fine of £500 was issued to the driver of one vehicle found to be running on red diesel.

One uninsured vehicle was seized on the road-side and four prohibition notices were served by VOSA for defective vehicles. The repaired vehicles will need to be presented or otherwise be taken off the road.

Sgt Cant said: "This was an effective multi-agency operation to target criminals and illegal road users travelling into Norfolk.

"It is another example of the enforcement work that can be carried out by Safer Neighbourhood Teams to drive down crime in our communities."

The men arrested are currently in police custody.