A major police blitz has been launched targeting criminals using the roads network.

Special number-plate recognition patrols are being deployed at key sites around Keighley and Skipton to catch vehicles linked to crime. The two-month operation is particularly aimed at metal thieves and uninsured drivers.

In the first two days alone, more than 20 vehicles were stopped and four cars were seized because the drivers were not insured. Roads policing units are using cameras which read the number plates of passing vehicles and automatically check them against police and DVLA databases.

And they are backed up in the Keighley area with a number of fixed cameras. The crackdown is being staged by Airedale and North Bradford Police and colleagues in North Yorkshire.

Supt Gary Baker, of the Airedale and North Bradford division, said: “Automatic number-plate recognition is an important weapon in our armoury to both catch and disrupt suspects and we want to thank colleagues at North Yorkshire for joining forces to help extend this capability on key days on both sides of the border.

“Those engaged in crime in Keighley – such as metal theft – who think that simply crossing into the neighbouring county will help them evade detection should be warned that once officers have latched on, there will be no escape no matter where they go.

“I would encouarge anyone who has information about those who are driving uninsured or who is using a vehicle and committing offences in Keighley to contact the local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.”