MORE than 70 motorists were stopped by police in a crackdown on illegal number plates.

The four week clampdown formed part of Operation Beacon, with a team of special constables proving their worth in the fight against organised crime.

The operation coincided with volunteer’s week, with volunteers assisting Sergeant Pinner Rana and his team in the motor patrols department.

Running throughout June, officers targeted vehicles using false number plates as well as drivers who had altered them aesthetically.

Police issued 34 notices under the Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS), while other, more serious offences were also detected, with four motorists’ vehicles found in a dangerous condition.

Two people were also prosecuted for having no insurance, three for other driving offences, and police also issued 27 verbal warnings to drivers. Sgt Rana heaped praise on the special constables for their efforts.