Police seized 16 vehicles during an operation targeting motorists using the M25.

More than 100 vehicles were stopped on October 17 and 18 in a joint operation between Three Rivers officers and Thames Valley police.

In particular, police focused on drivers using routes in and around Rickmansworth, Maple Cross, Mill End, Chorleywood and Croxley Green.

The results of the operation were:

• One man, 37, arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and possession of Class B drugs. He has since been charged.

• 16 vehicles (including a motorbike) seized for a variety of offences, most commonly for having no valid tax or insurance.

• 10 drivers reported for various traffic offences.

• Two stop searches conducted on a vehicle and its driver, and a pedestrian.

• Several intelligence submissions made to the police database.

Watford Observer:

PC Iain Rosser, who led the operation, said: “The primary aim of this operation was to prevent, detect and disrupt criminal activity – in particular, burglary, vehicle crime and drug-related crime.

“We flooded the area and denied criminals the use of strategic travel routes between Hertfordshire, Thames Valley and London.

“This targeted action highlighted and the excellent working relationship we have with Thames Valley and was not only an example of the real intent we both have in relentlessly pursuing cross-border criminality but also of our efforts in protecting residents from this type of criminality.

“We hope the community was reassured by our presence last week and I would like to take this opportunity to say that we will continue to conduct both proactive high-visibility and covert patrols in order to deter travelling criminals. Hertfordshire is not a soft target.”