Crime on A12 targeted in crackdown by police in Essex

More than 180 vehicles were stopped and two people arrested in a crackdown on crime on the A12 in Essex.

Police carried out high visibility patrols in the Chelmsford area on Friday to make the road safer and reduce criminal activity.

A man from Braintree was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal motor vehicles, and a man from Maldon was held on suspicion of metal theft.

The 48-year-old and the 30-year-old are being held in custody.

A flatbed truck was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act and seven vehicles were found to have no insurance.

Thirty fixed penalty notices were issued for a wide range of motoring offences.