County hit by crime gangs

Homes and businesses across Shropshire are being hit by organised criminal gangs who see the county as a soft target, police said today.

Gangs from Merseyside and Manchester and other parts of the Midlands have chosen rural and affluent parts of the county during recent crime sprees, which have seen them take a number of items including heavy plant machinery worth a total of more than £150,000.

The raids, many of which have happened at night, have also seen sheds targeted, police said.

But today north Shropshire police Inspector Rik Klair said officers were making inroads in dealing with the criminals.

He said a cross-border police initiative between West Mercia Police and neighbouring forces in Staffordshire, Cheshire and North Wales had been a success in combating the long-distance criminals.

It comes weeks after Shrewsbury Shopwatch bosses said urban areas of the county had also been targeted by gangs.

Officials said shopping centres in the town had become a target for professional gangs of women stealing clothes worth thousands of pounds.

Police said Operation Vulture had seen 700 vehicles stopped for roadside spot checks, 20 suspects arrested and agricultural machinery worth more than £150,000 recovered. The operation was launched a year ago and has been hailed a success.

The crackdown has also led to arrests for drug offences, drink-driving and illegal use of red diesel.

Police believe the operation has also been successful in catching late-night criminals using Shropshire's main roads on their way to and from committing crimes in the county and elsewhere.

Mr Klair said: "The operation was initially launched to combat the increase in thefts of farm machinery and plant equipment.

"Our activity has had the added benefit of disrupting those involved in other crimes like drug dealing and burglary."

He said the joint forces would continue with the operation for the next year because of its success.

By Tom Johannsen