Suffolk Police Highlight Criminal Road Use

This forms part of an initiative organised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council under the banner of Operation Spotlight, which will see officers be particularly focused on those using the road network for criminal gain.

The Roads and Armed Policing Team begin a month-long campaign during April, targeting drivers who choose to commit ‘fatal four’ offences.

Stopping a vehicle for a routine offence such as having no insurance can often lead to the discovery of other offences such as drug dealing, human trafficking and facilitating burglary and theft.

The team will be using the month to target the strategic road network with focused patrols and increased vehicle checks. Both marked and unmarked units will work in collaboration with the Sentinel Team (ANPR / Automatic Number Plate Recognition team) to track and apprehend criminals using the county’s roads for illegal enterprise. These tactics will aim to disrupt organised crime gangs and maintain the safety of Suffolk’s road users.

Officers will continue to highlight the dangers of the fatal four and explain the risks attached to these behaviours throughout the month, as they engage with drivers across the county. The fatal four include:

1.    Excess speed

2.    Using a mobile phone

3.    Failing to wear a seatbelt

4.    Drink and drug driving.

Inspector Gary Miller, of the Joint Norfolk & Suffolk Roads & Armed Policing Team, said: “While this campaign provides us with the opportunity to focus on all of the ‘Fatal Four’ offences which result in death or serious injury, we are placing a specific focus on criminal use of the road.”

“Criminals will use the road network to travel in and out of the county to commit crime and this campaign provides us with the perfect opportunity to impede on their activity and ultimately improve road safety.

“All ‘fatal four’ offences result in equally devastating consequences and it is our daily mission to increase awareness and reduce collisions on our roads.”

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “I was extremely pleased to see at first-hand the work of the Roads & Armed Policing team when I spent a shift out with them earlier this week. 

“The team has a pivotal role in keeping Suffolk’s roads safe and free-flowing, which is important for both residents and businesses alike, and the work they do to disrupt criminals and protect communities across Suffolk’s road network is second to none.”

“I fully support these pro-active campaigns. They send out a strong, clear message to those who choose not to comply with the ‘fatal four’ that Suffolk Constabulary is on the case.”