A multi-agency operation targeted people involved in organised immigration crime over the past three months.
Cheshire Police worked with Border Force, Immigration, the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVLA) and the local authority during three two-day operations over three-months, which aimed to disrupt illegal immigration to the UK. The operations were conducted at Burtonwood services on the M62 on January 10 and 11, Poplars 2000 services on the M6 at Lymm on February 10 and 11 and again at Burtonwood services on March 22.
The operations included offering advice to HGV drivers on how to avoid becoming involved in the illegal movement of people. Cheshire Police said that those involved also checked drivers' hours were being adhered to, lorries were roadworthy and ensured those who had travelled illegally were brought to safety and dealt with appropriately and sensitively.
READ MORE: Coked up yob displaying 'severe lack of driving ability' led police on two high speed chases
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said that the operation resulted in:
• 148 HGVs stopped and checked for illegal immigrants.
• £11,200 in civil penalty fines recovered from hauliers having outstanding fines for previous clandestine found on their vehicles
• One Iranian clandestine surrendered to police at the scene and dealt with by Border force officers
• 96 fixed penalties issued for various offences totalling £18,750 in fines
DS Darren Wright said: “These operations highlight the work we do 24/7 to disrupt criminals who use our road network to commit crime, and serves as a warning to criminals that we are out there policing the roads with our partners to disrupt illegal activity and make Cheshire a no go area for criminals.”
He added: "Clandestine entry to the UK poses a significant risk of life to those who have been concealed in the vehicles and transported overseas to the UK and vice versa.
“We recognise that many of the successful clandestine entry attempts involve road haulage vehicles due to the amount of hiding space in the vehicle, and the ease of movement in and out of the UK through legitimate and identified travel routes.
“Organised crime groups also know this and exploit this method of movement in and out of the UK, and recruit complicit drivers to assist with the facilitation of illegal entry of people and goods.
“Sadly, many of who successfully gain illegal entry into the UK often end up becoming victims of modern slavery offences. Many will become subjected to further criminal exploitation, so it’s important drivers play their part in protecting vulnerable people by understanding the risks and knowing how to keep themselves safe from these criminal gangs.”
