SIX people were arrested in North Yorkshire last night during a crackdown on crime in rural areas.

North Yorkshire Police's Roads Policing and Road Crime teams took part in Operation Checkpoint, which targets cross-border criminals, alongside 42 volunteers who reported suspicious vehicles and activity.

The overnight operation saw 119 vehicles stopped and checked, 15 breath tests carried out, tickets issued for seatbelt, tyre, tax, insurance and MOT offences, and six vehicles seized.

A 53-year-old Hartlepool man was arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft and possessing criminal property near Stokesley and remains in custody at this time.

Two men from the Richmondshire area were arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine with intent to supply. Police said a quantity of drugs was seized, and both men are still in custody.

Two men from Middlesbrough, aged 29 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft after being stopped and searched by officers at about 1.30am on Bedale Road, Scotton. They were carrying a torch, mask, and a glass hammer, and both men remain in custody.

A 19-year-old Eaglescliffe man was arrested just after midnight when officers stopped a Fiat Punto on the B1365 near Stokesley due to its manner of driving. A spokesman said the driver failed a roadside drugs test for cannabis and was arrested on suspicion of drug driving. He has since been released on bail.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Kennedy, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "We know that some people are willing to travel many miles to come to North Yorkshire, using our road network to commit crime and prey on rural communities. Operation Checkpoint supports our ongoing Operation Hawk, sending a very clear message to those criminals - if you come to North Yorkshire to commit crime, we will catch you."