POLICE have revealed the results of a major crackdown on metal thieves and illegal motorists near Chester.
Cheshire Police joined partner agencies in an operation targeting metal theft on the Helsby and Ellesmere Port border last week.
Operation Taupe also saw officers checking cars and vans for illegal red diesel and potential fly tipping waste.
Sixty motorists were pulled over on the A56 with numerous offences being detected.
Police said one vehicle was seized due to an expired licence and insurance and four drivers were ordered to produce documents for further investigation.
One driver was told he would receive a summons for an expired licence, eight vehicle defects requiring attention were identified, and several tickets for mobile phone use were handed out.
Nearly 40 cars and vans were checked for illegal red diesel with one driver being given an on-the-spot fine of £535.
Insp Keith Curbishley said: “This operation has formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt and deter those involved in the theft of metal which causes significant disruption for businesses and homeowners.
“During this operation, police and partner agencies gathered vital intelligence that can help us disrupt the activity of these individuals involved in metal theft.
“The aim of the operation is quite simply to make our communities safer by targeting those who seek to harm or exploit it.”
The operation also involved HM Revenue and Customs, Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Vehicle Operator Services Agency, Scottish Power and Smartwater, British Transport Police, Network Rail, BT Openreach, and the Environment Agency.