A POLICE crackdown on trailer, motorbike and quad bike thefts saw two forces carrying out stop-checks recently, to the south of Ledbury, and more stop-checks are in the pipeline.

Gloucestershire Constabulary and West Mercia Police joined forces for "Operation Cross", which targeted traffic moving to and fro between Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

A police spokesman said: "More than 50 vehicles were stopped and checked for criminal activity and road traffic offences at the Staunton Court Business Park on the A417 Ledbury Road.

"It was in response to concerns in the rural community about the thefts of high value trailers, quad bikes and off-road motorcycles."

The spokesman added: "Vehicles towing specifically Ifor Williams trailers and vans capable of carrying motorbikes were among those stopped."

No stolen property was identified, but two drivers were issued with traffic offence reports - one for driving without a seatbelt and one for having no insurance.

Seven trailers were checked and the drivers of six were found to have not yet registered as the current owners. They were advised to update their records.

One motorist was caught for speeding.Two drivers were given advice for towing trailers without the relevant category on their licence.

Gloucestershire police inspector Lee Solly said: "It was a successful event on a number of levels. The idea was to disrupt criminal activity and reassure the rural community.

"The liaison between the two forces has greatly-improved and we were able to share information about burglaries with similar methods of operation that have occurred within our two areas.Further operations are planned in the two force areas."