A CLAMPDOWN has been launched in a bid to prevent the illegal sale of car parts and vehicles which have been written off.

Lancashire Police has launched Operation Partridge, which will begin with a unannounced spot check at a motor salvage yard in Lancashire tomorrow.

Officers from Lancashire Constabulary's Road Policing Unit and Serious and Organised Crime Unit will be joined by Local Authority Licensing Officers, Environment Agency and Trading Standards.

Sergeant Simon Ingham, from Lancashire Constabulary's stolen vehicle squad, said: "All motor salvage operators should register with the local authority and keep records.

"The purpose of this operation is to make sure they're complying with the regulations.

"It is also about working with our partners to reduce crime, in particular auto crime where stolen vehicles and stolen parts are being sold and handled through these types of premises.

"I would also like to warn people who choose not to comply with the regulations, we will be carrying out more operations in the future and you will be caught.

"However, if you're not already registered and you're not sure whether you should be, then contact your local authority licensing officer within your local council area."

A motor salvage operator is any business involved in the recovery and sale of working parts or a firm which buys written-off vehicles for repair and then sells them on.

As part of the Motor Salvage Act businesses have to be registered, keep records of all goods, and allow police to enter premises without a warrant.

Anyone breaking the law can face fines of up to £5,000.