POLICE in Colden Common arrested a man from Luton after a stop check on a Ford Transit van.

This was part of Operation Wolf where police stopped multiple vehicles to check for agricultural machinery theft, metal theft, fly-tipping, waste carrier licenses, burglary and general theft offences. 

More than 60 vehicles were stopped on Saturday, March 9. The man from Luton was arrested as it was confirmed the van he was driving was stolen and had fake number plates. 

A post on Winchester Police Facebook said: “Operation Wolf is a Country Watch led operation to combat plant and agricultural machinery theft, metal theft, fly-tipping, waste carrier licenses, burglary and general theft offences. 

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“Led by Country Watch SC’s, we were joined by partners from the Environment Agency and Datatag ID Limited targeting vehicles involved in the above offences. 

“Utilising ANPR technology, over 60 vehicles were stopped with multiple follow-ups by the Environment Agency for lack of waste carrier licenses. Multiple other offences were also dealt with by police such as lack of insurance, MOT, tax and illegal tyres.

“A male from Luton was also arrested following a stop check on a Ford Transit. With help from Datatag, this vehicle was confirmed as stolen and displaying false ID/Plates. The vehicle was seized pending further police enquires.”