FIVE people have been arrested as police targeted rural crime hotspots and roads used by travelling criminals in North Yorkshire.

Officers with Operation Hawk launched a day of action which saw them seize stolen property, Class A drugs and take a suspected drink driver off the road.

Police began their campaign at 9am on Thursday (February 26) and finished in the early hours of Friday morning (February 27).

They stopped a total of 47 vehicles and issued a number of fixed penalty notices for offences including mobile phone use, no insurance, no seat belt, no MOT and speeding offences.

The operation covered an area including Richmond, Catterick Garrison, Stokesley, Thirsk and Easingwold.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “Criminals coming to North Yorkshire are finding that it is very difficult to get in and out again without us catching them or knowing they have been here.

“Travelling criminals and local law-breakers should take note, the tough stance shown during yesterday’s Operation Hawk day of action will continue. North Yorkshire is one of the safest places in the country and we are determined to keep it that way.”

Three men were arrested on the M1 near Garforth after reports of two shop thefts in Pickering and Kirkbymoorside. Officers seized 83 bottles of spirits with a value of about £1,500, as well as boxes of medication and a quantity of meat from their vehicle.

There was also a strong contribution by Country Watch volunteers, who work alongside police officers to deter rural crime.

Operation Hawk tackles rural and cross-border crime. Members of the public can help Operation Hawk by reporting any suspicious people or activity on 101 and speaking to the Force Control Room. In an emergency dial 999.