FOREIGN criminals who move around the country to avoid detection have become the target of a national operation involving West Mercia Police.

West Mercia officers are working alongside the Central Motorway Policing Group to identify and tackle criminals who use the UK’s road network to commit crime.

Operation Trivium, which begins today (Monday), aims to target those involved in a wide range of criminality ranging from shoplifting, fraud, metal theft including stealing catalytic converters from vehicles, burglary, supply and importation of drugs, money laundering to human trafficking for prostitution.

The operation will also involve colleagues from police forces in Eastern Europe who will assist with operational activity in the UK and help to identify those who are wanted for offences abroad as well as at home.

Superintendant Lee Davenport said: “Working closely with the Central Motorway Police Group and colleagues from police forces at home and abroad we are pleased to support this operation and will use it as an opportunity to detect, prevent and convict those who are involved in a range of serious criminality.

“By monitoring the road network, we can work to uncover those who are attempting to travel across the country to commit crime, and stop them in their tracks.”

Also involved are HM Revenue and Customs, Trading Standards, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and County Council Animal Welfare unit will also be providing specialist support to the operation.

During the operation, extra resources will be targeted to patrol the road networks.

Officers will use various means of intelligence to stop vehicles of interest and establish if the occupants are wanted for any kinds of criminal activity.

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) will also be used to stop and disrupt criminal operations.