Criminals travelling across the borders between Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales were targeted today as part of Operation Crossbow.

The operation was aimed at disrupting criminal activity and denying criminals use of the roads.

Using the Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, officers were able to monitor virtually every vehicle which crossed the border between the two counties.

The operation, led by DS Paul Williams from Cheshire Police, was hailed great success.

Officers arrested 23 people by 11.30am.

The offences included drugs related crimes, court warrants, theft and driving offences, including disqualified driving.

DS Williams said: "We know that criminals do not simply stop committing crimes when they reach the police border, but instead they rely on the road network to enable them to commit criminal offences across the north west.

"There is a strong link between the illegal use of vehicles and other serious and organised crime, which is why we are working together with our colleagues from Merseyside and North Wales Police, along with partner agencies, to target these criminals as they travel across the region.

"This is one of the largest partnership operations Cheshire Police have ever undertaken, with over 250 officers taking part."

More than 50 vehicles were stopped and three seized.

Nine fixed penalty notices were issued for a variety of non endorsable road traffic offences and eight traffic offence reports were recorded.

DS Williams added: "Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales Police are committed to working in collaboration to proactively target those who choose to commit crime to fund their lifestyles and days such as today are set to continue′′.

All three forces are keen to remind the public that they too can help keep roads safer by reporting illegal use of vehicles to the police on 101.

Alternatively information can be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.