HAMPSHIRE police stopped 140 vehicles during a crackdown on offences including rural burglaries and thefts.

Four vehicles were seized and the drivers issued with fixed penalty notices for offences such as having no MoT or insurance and driving with defective tyres.

The operation was led by Hampshire Constabulary’s Country Watch team and Bishop's Waltham’s Neighbourhood Policing Team.

They were joined by staff from the Environment Agency, Winchester City Council, the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, HM Revenue and Customs and Trading Standards

A police spokesman said: "In total, 140 vehicles were stopped and inspected during the operation.

"Officers seized four vehicles and issued fixed penalty notices for offences such as no MoT or insurance, or tyre defects.

"Waste carrier licenses were also checked and vehicles were tested for red diesel. One detection of red diesel was made and enquiries will be made on a separate suspected detection.

"A man received a community resolution for possession of cannabis."

PC Ian Bassett, from Hampshire Constabulary’s Country Watch team, said: “I would like to thank colleagues from other agencies for joining us for this operation.

“Vehicle stops in operations like this one play a key part in our efforts to disrupt a range of offences in rural areas, including thefts and burglaries.

“We will continue to work with other agencies to detect and disrupt those who seek to offend in our rural areas.”