Over 350 Vehicles Seized in Crackdown on Criminal Use of the Roads

More than 350 vehicles have been seized as part of a crackdown on the criminal use of roads in Cleveland.

Matrix and district officers have seized 359 vehicles from the roads since the operation, named Operation Trinity, began on 1^st January 2025.

Operation Trinity concentrates on depriving criminals and high harm road users the free use of our roads, which includes seizing vehicles which aren’t being legally driven on our roads, for example if they are uninsured.

Offences on the roads can potentially be linked to more serious offending, and by organised criminals who can cause serious harm to our communities.

On Tuesday 11^th February, officers in the Newport area of Middlesbrough stopped a vehicle after the driver and passenger were spotted not wearing seatbelts. Further inspection led officers to discover a three-year-old in the rear of the car who was also not properly strapped in. Checks on the driver revealed that he did not hold a full driving licence or insurance and he was reported for driving offences.

Another incident involved a vehicle reportedly driving erratically in the Hartlepool area which failed to stop for police. The Vauxhall Corsa was lost when it mounted a pavement and went between bollards into a grassed area.

Officers then spotted a male walking from some trees and into the rear garden of an address. He was identified as the driver and was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, driving under the influence of drugs and other driving offences.

The vehicle was located amongst trees with heavy damage.

Matrix Superintendent Paul Richardson said: “Operation Trinity is a collective effort across Cleveland to tackle the criminal use of our roads. We know that wider serious offending can often be linked to traffic offences, such as driving with no insurance or otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

“This operation will continue throughout the year, as we tackle criminals and protect our communities from harm. We will be proactive and highly visible to fulfil this purpose; and endeavour to reduce and combat the threats from high harm road users and serious and organised crime.

“We continue to send a message to criminals that they are not welcome in Cleveland and that we are taking action every day to tackle offending.”