TWO cars were seized from Bolton’s roads in a major crackdown to rid the streets of criminals.

Operation Galileo was GMP’s largest ever operation to remove criminals from the roads.

More than 250 police in more than 100 vehicles were drafted in for the operation on Thursday, which used automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology.

Police in Bolton were stationed on the A666 St Peter’s Way. Two cars were seized due the drivers having no insurance or licence.

The cars were seized and displayed in Albert Square, Manchester.

One person was summonsed to court for driving offences, six crimes were recorded for traffic offences including speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile while driving.

Five drivers were advised on various issues including their speed and manner of driving.

Supt Craig Thompson, who was overseeing the operation, said: “We will not allow the safety of our roads to be compromised by criminals, and the purpose of today’s operation is to disrupt illegal activity and deny offenders the use of the roads.

“ANPR cameras are used to detect vehicles connected to crime, or those being driven illegally, and can scan more than 3,000 number plates an hour. There is a strong link between the illegal use of vehicles on the road and other types of serious crime, and we will use all equipment available to bring offenders to justice.

“Criminals can be assured that this is not just a one-off operation. Our officers patrol the roads 365 days of the year and will continue to target them.”