A SCHEME to crack down on illegal vehicles in Stockton has resulted in more than 320 being seized from roads and waste land.

Operation Cubit, launched by Stockton police, Stockton Borough Council and the DVLA, has been operating for three months and tackles the problem of untaxed, unregistered and abandoned vehicles in the town.

It also aims to curb the use of such vehicles by criminals who use them knowing they cannot be traced. The vehicles are often later abandoned and set alight.

Inspector Ray Morton, of Stockton police, said: "This operation has been a resounding success so far. We receive many complaints from residents in the area whose quality of life is blighted by abandoned and burnt-out vehicles on their estates.

"The recovery of 320 vehicles over the past three months shows the extent of the problem."

Alan Dixon, district manager for Stockton Fire Brigade, said: "Last year we received 221 calls to vehicle fires, with a further 29 since January. These calls tie up our appliances, which could otherwise be available to attend life-threatening incidents."