Police seize 'overweight' 6,000kg tomato van

The van was stopped on the A16 as part of Operation Chambers which is aiming to tackle rurual crime

A van carrying 6,080kg (13,404lbs) of tomatoes has been taken off the road by police after they discovered it was almost double the maximum legal weight.

Cambridgeshire Police stopped vehicles on the A16 between Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire as part of day-long Operation Chambers which aimed to tackle rural crime.

Police said the driver of the van did not have a licence or insurance and a £200 fixed penalty notice was issued.

Sgt Tom Nuttall said: "We understand the frustration of those who are victims of crime such as agricultural and machinery theft, so days such as this are a perfect chance for us to work together to seek stolen property and disrupt criminals."

Lincolnshire Police's rural crime action team, the Environment Agency and Peterborough City Council also joined the operation.

Cambridgeshire Police intercepted vehicles and escorted them to Thorney Road South, in Crowland, Lincolnshire, where a series of checks were carried out.

Serg Nuttall said: "This operation highlights the importance of taking a collaborative approach in tackling rural crime and reinforces the commitment of all partners to safeguarding rural communities and holding offenders to account."

Vehicles were stopped and checked during the six-hour operation

Police said 25 vehicles were stopped, with 91 untaxed vehicles identified by the DVLA, alongside a string of other motoring offences.

A 35-year-old man was also detained for immigration offences.

Peter Stark, enforcement team leader from the Environment Agency, said: "Coming together on these days of action allow us all to maintain strong partnerships and share information while helping to protect the environment, communities, and legitimate businesses."