SOUTH Worcestershire is significantly safer following the Operation MeerKat, a 10-day joint offensive between DVLA and West Mercia Police to crack down on car crime.

During the force-wide operation, 167 untaxed vehicles were clamped, 12 drivers were given fixed penalty notices for having unroadworthy vehicles, 10 were stopped for driving without insurance, eight were caught driving without a valid MOT certificate and one arrest was made for driving while disqualified.

"The drivers of untaxed cars are often involved in some other form of criminal activity, whether that be transporting drugs or driving without insurance or MOT, both of which have a direct impact on the community and other motorists," said Jeff Mumford, head of compliance at DVLA.

"In the two weeks of this operation we have worked with West Mercia to identify and seize untaxed vehicles. Numerous other offences were also identified and dealt with by the police."

Acting Sergeant Andy Wallace, of West Mercia, said: "We are working closely with the DVLA to remind drivers that not taxing their vehicle is against the law. Some of the vehicles clamped were unroadworthy and potentially dangerous, putting both their drivers and the public at risk."

He added: "Identifying these untaxed vehicles has helped us detect other offences, such as driving without insurance or while disqualified, which also puts the public at risk. There are clear links between the unlawful driver and involvement in other criminal offences and serious road collisions."

Mr Mumford concluded: "This operation has been a great success and a further endorsement of the benefits of our new strategy. We know who these people are, where they are and what vehicles they drive and now, with the help of the police, our answer is simple - we're taking your car, no more warnings."