Five arrests and stolen vehicle recovered after police road safety operation

Five people were arrested and a stolen vehicle was recovered on Saturday night after a busy road safety operation across Teignbridge and Torbay.

Police carried out the traffic operation on Saturday 7 March and officers taking part included Patrol, Neighbourhood and Special Constabulary teams focusing on the problem of drink and drug driving.

During the course of the evening officers identified the following offences:

Five people were stopped for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, three vehicles identified with no insurance, three positive drug wipes, as well as three negative drug wipes (this simple roadside saliva test indicates possible drug driving).

Officers tested five drivers for drink driving and results revealed two positive breath tests and three negative. A stolen vehicle was also recovered.

One vehicle was stopped after being wanted in connection with non-traffic crimes and police identified one offence of vehicle interference.

Four drivers who were found to have no insurance or driving licence had their vehicles seized and one driver was spoken to on suspicion of possession of cannabis. Officers found suspected illicit drugs in a vehicle that was involved in a collision.

In total five people were arrested – two for drink driving and three for drug driving (two of those three failed to stop for police).

Inspector Wes Watkins explained: “The majority of drivers checked this weekend were not committing any offences and we would like to thank the public for their co-operation as we carry out our checks. Road safety is a priority for Devon & Cornwall Police and we will continue to remind road users that consuming alcohol and drugs before you get behind the wheel is not acceptable.

“Your vehicle must be roadworthy and we will continue to crack down on any risky behaviour by drivers that puts them or other road users in danger. This may also include offences such as speeding or using a mobile phone behind the wheel.  

“More days of action are planned this year and we work closely with partners to decrease the level of serious and fatal road incidents and save lives.”