Road crime squad tracks down £1.8m of stolen cars

The 125 motors were equivalent to £4,934 worth every day for the Road Crime Unit, who also made 564 arrests.

The 25-strong team seized £327,150 in stolen property and 834 unlicensed or uninsured vehicles.

Roads policing head Chf Insp Stuart Walne said: “The unit adds value far in excess of its operating costs.

“In financial terms alone the value of drugs, stolen vehicles and other property recovered make the achievements of the team clear to see.

“On top of this, prevented crime and the number of lives saved through their intervention are not represented, but still impact upon the falling rates of crime and reduction in casualties making the roads in South Yorkshire a safer place.”

Chf Insp Walne added that the results showed the hard work and skill of the officers and staff, as well as sending a strong message to criminals.

The team uses marked and unmarked police cars and motorbikes equipped with number plate recognition technology.

Other officers working South Yorkshire’s roads recovered £1.6 million worth of vehicles and 360 being used illegally.