Property and cars seized

Cars and stolen property have been seized in a police crackdown, called Operation Ohio, on criminals travelling across Wales and the Marches to commit crimes in rural areas.

A team of 20 officers from the roads and armed crime departments of Dyfed-Powys police, West Mercia police and two more Welsh police forces took part in the initiative, which was co-ordinated by Powys-based Inspector Martin Tavener.

They used the latest technology, including the Airwave radio network and in-car data terminals, to stop criminals using the roads network to target rural communities.

Inspector Tavener said: "Operation Ohio has been put together to tackle criminals from the southern Wales area who target the rural forces border areas, committing burglary and theft, stealing Land Rovers, trailers, tools and quads."

He said a number of people had been arrested during the week-long operation for a variety of offences, including burglary, metal thefts and drugs offences.

Inspector Tavener said some wanted men were returned to prison or dealt with for offences and a number of cars have also been seized from criminals who were not insured.

"The highlight of the week was the arrest near Builth Wells for burglary of two men from the Aberdare area, early one morning," he said.

"They were in possession of a stolen quad bike, a chainsaw and tools and it was discovered they were also wanted in Carmarthenshire for similar offences."