DOZENS of officers took part in an operation that targeted motorists travelling in York and North Yorkshire suspected of being involved in crime.

As part of Operation Drystone, more than 300 vehicles were stopped during an eight-hour period. Eight people were arrested and six vehicles were seized.

A 25-year-old man from Selby was arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply after his car was pulled over on the A1. He was released on police bail pending further inquiries.

A 19-year-old man from York was arrested on warrant for breach of a community punishment and rehabilitation order after being pulled over on Stirling Road, Clifton Moor, York.

The day of action, in which about 40 officers took part, saw teams deployed to the A1237 York northern ring road, the A19 between Thirsk and the Cleveland border, the A64 and the A1.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology was used to intercept suspect vehicles using the main arterial routes through the county.

Sergeant David Murray, who led the operation, said: “The aim of the action was to disrupt criminal activity by preventing law-breakers the use of our roads.

“ANPR is a highly effective tool enabling us to root out criminals wherever they may be and the results send a clear message to the criminal fraternity that there is no hiding place for them in North Yorkshire.

“Further operations will be planned for the future as Drystone continues throughout 2009.

“If you plan on committing crime in North Yorkshire, our message to you is simple: don’t even think about it – we will be ready and waiting for you.”

ANPR works by scanning registration numbers and checking them against information held on databases.

This enables police to identify vehicles which may be stolen or involved in crime as well as uninsured and untaxed vehicles.

Operation Drystone was launched in October 2008 with the intention of providing additional resources to run alongside normal day-to-day policing across the county to target quality of life crimes.