Illegal Vehicles Seized in Middlesbrough Three-Day Blitz

Illegal, untaxed and dangerous vehicles were taken off the streets in a three-day blitz – and council and police chiefs are warning there’s more to come.

The successful crackdown saw 27 cars removed and a further 160 vehicles facing further action for having no tax.

Middlesbrough Council’s Environmental Neighbourhood Safety Team joined forces with Cleveland Police and the DVLA to rid communities of illegal cars that are often linked to organised crime.

The latest phase of an ongoing operation saw:

• Newport ward, Monday, November 27: Six vehicles removed by MBC and a further 60 vehicles detected by the DVLA’s number plate recognition car.
  
  
• Hemlington/Coulby Newham, Tuesday,  December 5: Ten removals by MBC and a further 43 vehicles detected by ANPR.
  
  
• Central and Newport wards, Wednesday, December 6: Eleven removals and 60 vehicles detected by ANPR.

Those found to be uninsured face having their vehicle seized, and possible prosecution with an unlimited fine and a potential driving ban, higher insurance premiums and penalty points.

Seized vehicles incur a release fee, and a daily storage charge.

Councillor Janet Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Community Safety, said: “These vehicles blight communities and often have links to organised crime, and it’s our mission to remove them on behalf of law-abiding residents.

 “This was an outstanding piece of work by all involved and I look forward to continuing this positive and collaborative approach.”

Acting Sergeant Ben Wood from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We will continue working with our partners from Middlesbrough Council and the DVLA to clamp down on uninsured vehicles, in order to ensure that people are abiding by the laws which are put in place to help keep people safe.

“Uninsured vehicles are sometimes used in wider criminal activity and are statistically more likely to be involved in a collision, so removing them can help make our roads safer.”

• To report illegal vehicles or any crime, call Cleveland Police on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org

*** A number of the vehicles seized ***