POLICE are carrying out high visibility motor patrols in North Shropshire on the lookout for vehicles being used by criminals.

The patrols are in response to a series of recent burglaries where horse riding tack and equestrian equipment have been targeted.

Sgt Jeff Morris, of the Shrewsbury based Road Policing Support Team (North) said the operation, involving 11 officers, would continue all week.

The officers, including six motorcyclists and several marked cars, were using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to identify stolen or suspect vehicles travelling in the region.

They would be moving across the region to cover as large an area as possible and earlier today were in the Tern Hill area covering the A41 and A53 roads.

The Road Policing Support Team has been highly successful in locating vehicles used in crime and only last week stopped a vehicle containing suspected stolen lead and copper.

The ANPR system uses sophisticated computers to identify suspect vehicles including those without insurance or other vehicle documents.

Sgt Morris added: “The ANPR operation is all part of our ongoing investigations into these burglaries and other matters. Our high visibility will also help provide reassurance to the local communities which have been affected by these crimes.

“As always, we would welcome any information which might assist our inquiries into crimes or the whereabouts of stolen goods. The number to call is 08457 444888, or alternatively, the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.”