Operation Foxtail – disruption of criminal networks and OCG activity in June

Operation Foxtail – disruption of criminal networks and OCG activity in June

The latest phase of Operation Foxtail saw three days of intensive enforcement in June, targeting criminals who are using fraudulent driving and identity documents on the county’s roads.

Through coordinated activity across Boston, Sleaford, and Lincoln, the taskforce disrupted offending, protected other road users and communities, and delivered compelling results.

Boston – 10 June

Officers from Lincolnshire Police, East Midlands Immigration Compliance and Enforcement (ICE) Team, and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) carried out around 60 vehicle stops which resulted in:

Five immigration related arrests (four illegally working and one overstayer).

Five vehicles were seized under Serious Organised Crime and Police (SOCAP) Act powers, where police officers have the authority to seize vehicles driven without valid insurance or a proper driving licence.

Three people were handed mechanical prohibition with fixed penalty notices by the DVSA.

One vehicle was seized for having no tax.

Thirteen Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were issued which includes offences such as having no MOT, no insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, carrying passengers over vehicle capacity, having tyres below minimum tread, or other mechanical defects.

Intelligence was also gathered in respect of fraudulent activity of a business which is facilitating illegal working in the UK.

Sleaford – 26 June

A significant proportion of this day’s activity in Sleaford centred around a vehicle that failed to stop for officers, prompting an extensive search to locate and arrest the driver.

A 24-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, drug driving and driving without insurance. The incident took place during one of the hottest days of June on record, making the pursuit particularly challenging for officers involved.

After the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, Response officer, PC Luke Whitaker, pursued him across open fields, working closely with the police dog unit and drone team to direct the search and pinpoint the suspect’s location. In the extreme heat, running in full operational kit demonstrated exceptional determination and resilience.

Once the driver was apprehended, he required water and time in an air-conditioned vehicle before he could be transported, highlighting the demanding conditions faced by officers throughout the pursuit and underscoring the considerable effort made by PC Whitaker to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. He was released under investigation for the drug driving offence and was transferred to another force area in relation to being wanted for burglary.

In addition to the foot chase:

Two TORs were issued for having no insurance and for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

DVSA colleagues issued a PG9 prohibition notice, which bans a vehicle from being used on public roads due to dangerous safety defects.

We were also joined at Sleaford and Lincoln by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Colleagues, who conducted fuel dip tests.

Lincoln – 29 June

The team gathered in Lincoln for a day of activity on 29 June, which didn’t disappoint.

They carried out around 50 vehicle stops, resulting in the following:

One man was arrested by Immigration colleagues for being an irregular migrant with no leave to remain in the UK. He was taken to an immigration removal centre for removal from the UK.

One woman was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs.

One man was arrested after it was discovered during our roadside enquiries, that he was wanted by Humberside Police in connection with a theft offence.

Four drivers were issued a summons to court for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, no insurance, causing/permitting driving without insurance, driving with a dangerous load.

One driver was issued a Graduated Fixed Penalty Notice (for the vehicle being overweight).

One person reported to the DVLA for not having paid road tax.

Five SOCAP Act seizures were made for not having insurance and/or driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Two vehicle prohibitions were issued owning to mechanical issues being discovered on the vehicles.

Twelve TORs were issued for various matters, including: driving without due care, insecure load, mechanical defects, mobile phone use while driving, not having insurance, not having an MOT, and not wearing a seatbelt.

Inspector Carrie Diamond of the Specialist Operations Unit, who oversaw these days of enforcement, said: “This operation demonstrates the power of a highly coordinated taskforce. By bringing together specialist resources and expertise, we are disrupting criminality head on, targeting those who exploit our road network, believing they can operate undetected, and protecting the communities we serve. This kind of operation sends a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated on our roads, and the results speak for themselves. We’re attacking criminality in all its guises.”

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