POLICE in Lancaster and Morecambe last week staged a blitz on stolen cars and travelling criminals.

"Operation Boost' part of Lancashire police's Operation Reassure, saw officers stop and search vehicles and their occupants and used new technology to check for stolen cars.

Particular attention was paid to cars travelling to and from Lancaster Farms young offenders institution which may be used to smuggle drugs. PC Gareth Cole said: "We will be making use of the new ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) to identify suspected stolen cars and card that have been identified through intelligence gathering as those used by suspected criminals.

"In addition to this the officers and Department of Transport staff will also be looking for and checking cars and other vehicles for defects."