Six arrested and 19 cars seized in Suffolk police day of action in Copdock

Officers targeted crime in the Copdock area of Ipswich with the project, working alongside the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVLA), HM Revenue and Customs and UK Visas and Immigration.

As part of the day of action, officers carried out checks on more than 50 vehicles, resulting in two arrests by UK Visas and Immigration for people overstaying in the UK.

A further four men were arrested during checks on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.

Three were arrested for being over the prescribed limit of cocaine – two were released on bail with one facing no further action.

A 30-year-old man was bailed after being over the prescribed limit of cannabis.

Six cars were seized after drivers were found to have no insurance or licence, and 13 cars were taken off the road for serious defects.

Reports for a further 68 driving offences were also issued.

Inspector Julian Ditcham hailed the progress officers made, and admitted that events like this were needed to help communicate safer driving standards to motorists.

“The number of arrests and offences detected shows that these days of action are worthwhile and help to make our roads safer,” he said.

“The condition of some of the vehicles meant they were immediately prohibited as dangerous, while the fact that we’ve had positive drugs tests indicate that there are those who are still taking chances with their own lives and that of innocent motorists by getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

“This activity, and our day-to-day work to raise awareness of the factors that can play a part in serious and fatal collisions, including using mobile phones and not using a seatbelt, are all aimed at keeping road users safe and we will continue to hold regular days like this to get the message across.” The force previously held a day of action in Portman Road in October in which nine people were arrested for various offences.