Lorry thefts targeted

Lorry thefts targeted

Police have seized £1m of goods

West Midlands Police are heading what has been described as Britain's biggest crackdown on stolen lorries and loads.

More than 60 teams of police officers from 13 forces, including Warwickshire Police, will stop and searching HGVs across the country on Wednesday as part of OPeration Coppergold.

Vehicles will be stopped at random at up to 70 locations.

And some of the latest automatic number plate recognition systems will identify suspects.

'Growing business'

Launched in December by West Midlands Police, Operation Coppergold has already seen the seizure of stolen goods valued at £1m and a 9% reduction in lorry-related crime.

Co-ordinator Detective Chief Inspector Tim Godwin said it would send "a very clear message".

"Theft of lorries and lorry loads is a growing business.

"It is well organised and estimated to cost the haulage industry well over £100m every year."

Last year goods valued at £12m were stolen in just three lorry thefts near Heathrow Airport.

West Midlands area manager John Howells said the Road Haulage Association was "right behind the police".

He urged his members to "come forward and give any information they may have".