Police crackdown stops 278 cars

Officers stopped 278 vehicles travelling out of York

Police officers stopped 278 drivers in a crackdown targeting travelling criminals in North Yorkshire.

Scores of police officers from across the north of England checked every vehicle using the main routes in and out of York on Thursday.

Of the vehicles stopped, 18 drivers were arrested on suspicion of offences such as theft and fraud.

Police used cameras, some in helicopters, and a number plate recognition system to check suspects.

Police seized 13 vehicles including a digger, a mix of suspected stolen cars and uninsured vehicles.

North Yorkshire Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs said: "There has never been an operation of this kind on this scale before."