WEST Mercia Police have announced that a month long offensive against vehicle tax dodgers across the force area proved a major success in cracking down on crime and improving safety on the roads.

Inspector David Perridge, of the Force road policing team, said: "While the primary purpose of the campaign was to target road tax evaders who, within West Mercia alone, cost the community £4.5million a year, the police also welcome the many other benefits of such an initiative.For example, during road checks mounted in Hereford and Worcester as part of the campaign in March, 12 people were arrested for criminal activities and serious motoring offences. These included two men believed to have been involved in a robbery in the Hereford area. Details of their vehicle had been circulated and it was spotted at one of the checkpoints."

In addition two people were arrested in Herefordshire and Worcestershire for driving while disqualified and another for perverting the course of justice.

WEST Mercia Police have announced that a month long offensive against vehicle tax dodgers across the force area proved a major success in cracking down on crime and improving safety on the roads.

Inspector David Perridge, of the Force road policing team, said: "While the primary purpose of the campaign was to target road tax evaders who, within West Mercia alone, cost the community £4.5million a year, the police also welcome the many other benefits of such an initiative.For example, during road checks mounted in Hereford and Worcester as part of the campaign in March, 12 people were arrested for criminal activities and serious motoring offences. These included two men believed to have been involved in a robbery in the Hereford area. Details of their vehicle had been circulated and it was spotted at one of the checkpoints."

In addition two people were arrested in Herefordshire and Worcestershire for driving while disqualified and another for perverting the course of justice.