OPERATION PEREGRINE

This is an ongoing, periodic operation that was launched in Pendle in 2003 as a result the number of abandoned, untaxed, and burnt out vehicles in the Borough.

The current operation starts on the 24th January 2005.

It is a truly multi-agency approach to problem solving, resulting in a number of positive outcomes including ultimately offending vehicles being taken from the street and impounded by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). It could almost be described as being a victim of its own success, in so much as people developed an expectation that vehicles could be removed quickly at all times.

A dedicated hotline number is in place for members of the public to report abandoned and untaxed vehicles, and in the times running up to clamping operations a much more visual stance is taken to deal with these vehicles. In the mean time, the hotline is still open and the vehicles that are reported to us are dealt with by appropriate means.

The operation had two outings during 2003 and it is intended that they will run at regular intervals as an ongoing process. This results in more people taxing their cars, a decrease in the number of abandoned cars and ongoing disruption to criminals who use untaxed cars to commit crime.

The operations not only use people power, but also state of the art technology in the form of Automatic Number Plate Recognition System (ANPR). This involves the use of mobile phones and a camera and computer system, which holds certain data. This allows a number of people other than the police to identify vehicles that are untaxed, unregistered, uninsured and often involved in crime.

The operation involves a number of agencies, including Pendle Community Safety Partnership, Pendle Borough Council, Police, Fire and Rescue Service, the DVLA and some local businesses, all of whom have an interest in getting these vehicles off the streets of Pendle.

Use this hotline number to report an abandoned, burnt out or untaxed vehicle in Pendle:  01282 661163

Or you can call the DVLA on 0800 352 202 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111