A PURGE on rogue drivers on a Bolton estate led to police seizing 15 vehicles.

Roadside checks were carried out in the Brownlow Fold area last week.

Police used hi-tech Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to check passing cars for tax, insurance and MoT certificates.

Vehicles being used illegally were seized on the spot.

Fines and court summonses were alsoissued to 22 drivers for using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts.

Officers carried out the checks as part of a week-long "beat sweep" targeting crime including arson, vandalism and car thefts.

Officers were joined by firefighters and council workers for the sweep which saw graffiti and fly-tipped rubbish removed.

Sgt Wayne Readfern said: "There is a correlation between vehicles which are used illegally and crimes like arson.

By taking these 15 vehicles off the road, there is less chance of them being used for crime or targeted by vandals.

"It's one of a number of ways we have adopted in the area to reduce crime and the fear of crime."

Sgt Readfern said a total of six people were arrested during the crackdown - three at the roadside for motoring offences and a further three who were wanted by the courts for breaching bail. Community support officers also delivered leaflets to homes across the area to offer crime prevention advice and patrols were increased.