AN estimated £6,800 in fines was issued during a major police operation which also saw more than 30 arrests across the region.
West Mercia Police officers joined forces with partner agencies throughout October as part of Operation Lockstream – a national effort targeting organised immigration crime and the exploitation linked to it.
The operation focused on businesses and sectors considered vulnerable to exploitation, including delivery services, across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Shropshire.
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During the month-long operation, officers stopped 104 vehicles and made 31 arrests.
A total of 26 vehicles were also seized, while police said an estimated £6,800 in fines was issued.
Officers handed out a further 28 traffic offence reports and submitted 18 intelligence reports to support ongoing investigations into organised criminal networks.
Detective Sergeant Laura Hutson, from the Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: “Operation Lockstream demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tackling organised immigration crime and the exploitation that can often sit behind it.
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“These offences can have a significant impact on vulnerable people, who are frequently targeted by those seeking to profit from criminal activity.
“Throughout October, officers worked closely with partner agencies across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire to identify and disrupt those involved in criminality, while also safeguarding those who may be at risk of exploitation.
“We will continue to work alongside our partners to target those who seek to exploit vulnerable people, disrupt criminal activity and ensure our communities remain safe places to live and work.”
