Sixteen arrested after police's road stop sting

Police stopped 54 vehicles and made 16 arrests in the intelligence-led operation

Sixteen people have been arrested in a police crackdown on fraudulent driving licences and documents.

Norfolk Police stopped 54 vehicles in Great Yarmouth on 13 November as part of Operation Foxtail, in a joint effort with government agencies.

It is the second sting conducted in the town in less than a month where officers used technology including automatic number plate recognition cameras to target drivers.

PC Josh Preston of the roads and armed policing team said: "We are able to intercept offenders, seize illegal goods, and dismantle organised criminal operations whilst also gaining intelligence on criminal networks."

The operation, and others like it, are funded by the Home Office, which focuses on immigration and road offences.

Police were joined by local council, immigration enforcement and HMRC officers.

In all, 29 traffic offence reports were issued including for 13 that had no insurance, nine not holding a valid driving licence, five for failing to wear a seatbelt and two caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

Fifteen vehicles were seized, including one that had been stolen and linked to a series of crimes in the Norwich area.

Of the 16 arrests, 15 were for immigration offences, with the other arrest relating to a counterfeit driving licence and having no insurance.

PC Preston added: "This type of operation is always a real team effort. Extremely good results can be achieved when our departments work together in this way."