Crims cars crushed

8:59am Thursday 31st May 2007

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A dozen cars have been have crushed out of more than 50 vehicles seized from unlicensed and uninsured drivers in Spelthorne in just six weeks.

Inspector Sarah Greenhalgh said the police were using new powers to stop criminals using their own illegal "pool cars" for crime.

The new powers, under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act, mean police can immediately seize vehicles which are being driven uninsured or by unlicensed drivers.

When a vehicle is stopped, officers run it and the driver's details through the police national computer, the Motor Insurance Bureau and insurance company databases.

In March , 34 vehicles were seized, including one mini moto and one moped.

Of those, 12 were scrapped.

Another 22 were seized in the first two weeks of April, including three motorbikes.

Insp Greenhalgh said the six-week pilot scheme had cut the amount of vehicle crime in the borough and was being considered for the rest of Surrey.

"Section 165 is an excellent piece of legislation for the police which has the support of the general public and has been used to positive effect in the Spelthorne area during the trial period," Insp Greenhalgh said.

"Surrey Police is continuing to tackle vehicle crime hotspots in local communities and officers have welcomed the enhanced use of their powers and feel there has been a significant impact on local criminals who use pool' cars, which as a result disrupt their criminal activities.

"There has also been several repeat offenders."