Operation Foxtail part 2: disrupting criminal networks and OCG activity

A multi-agency taskforce carried out a day of action in Sleaford on Thursday 29 January, targeting those who use fraudulent driving and identity documents on the county’s roads.

Over 70% of vehicles stopped presented at least one driving or identity document infringement.

Back in October we told you about a multi-agency day of action in Boston. These days of action form part of a broader intelligence-led operation to tackle organised crime group activity and their criminal networks.

Organised criminals inevitably rely on road networks to move people or goods as part of their operations. When they do, they place themselves within the scope of road traffic legislation - one of the areas where our enforcement powers are most extensive.

A multi-agency taskforce working around the Sleaford area carried out over 40 stops with the following results:

• 3 x vehicles seized under the Seizure of Vehicles (Approved Places) regulations, often used in conjunction with powers from the Anti-Social behaviour and Crime and Policing Act 2014 to combat illegal or unsafe driving
• 1x PG9 prohibition notice issued – preventing a vehicle form being used on public roads due to safety
• 1x arrest for possession of false documents with intent to deceive
• 1 x immigration arrest for overstaying
• 2 x summons to court for no licence / insurance
• 1 x summons to court for use of cloned plates / driving while disqualified / no insurance
• 6 x Traffic Offence Reports for no insurance / MOT / seatbelts / contravening a red light
• 1 x Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS) form issued for minor defect of red light to rear
• 4 x Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) actions, i.e. tyre pressure / tread / brake lights or common driving faults such as poor junction observation, traffic sign adherence
• 7 x Immigration action / intel matters

A set of loose VRM plates were also located and returned to owner.

This was a fruitful operation bringing together a team from Specialist Operations, specifically trained Roads Policing Specials, and detectives from CID. Partner agencies included: DVSA, Immigration and Customs Enforcement colleagues.

Criminals routinely use false documents to evade detection - but these are far more than simple attempts to stay hidden. They are clear warning signs of organised, deep‑rooted criminal activity. By working directly with partner agencies, we are actively identifying and shutting down those who exploit the road network to drive their criminal enterprises: moving illegal goods, enabling exploitation, facilitating human trafficking, and committing other serious offences. Multi‑agency operations like this are not optional - they are critical to protecting the public.

Together, we are delivering a firm message: our determination to make Lincolnshire’s roads and communities safer is absolute. If you use the road network to commit crime, we will find you - and we will act.