Operation Checkpoint sees more than 100 visits made and three arrests

More than 100 farm visits were conducted and three arrests were made following two days of action to crack down on rural crime in Cleveland.

Operation Checkpoint is the largest rural crime operation of its kind in the UK and sees police forces including Cleveland, Northumbria, Durham, and Cumbria, along with partners and volunteers, team up to target criminals.

During the operation, forces carry out routine checks, conduct farm visits, and work with other agencies to collaboratively prevent and tackle rural acquisitive crime, wildlife and poaching offences.

Almost 50 officers from Cleveland Police last week carried out 105 farm visits, stopped 17 vehicles and stop-searched five people as well as gathering crucial intelligence.

Three people were also arrested on suspicion of theft and four people were reported for summons for poaching offences. One person was charged with theft whilst two others were bailed pending further enquiries.

Cleveland Police’s Force lead for rural crime, Chief Inspector Jon Hagen, said: “This was another extremely successful Operation Checkpoint which allowed us to gather invaluable intelligence while causing disruption to those who commit rural crime.

“The success of the operation is down to the fantastic partnership work between local police forces, partner agencies and rural communities who continue to report crime and concerns to us.

“We know that this type of crime has a huge impact on our residents and we hope this assures the public that we will continue to work hard to bring offenders to justice our rural communities a safer place.”

If you want to report crime or concerns to us, please call us on 101.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phone on 0800 555 111.