A POLICE blitz against unroadworthy vehicles and non-use of seatbelts has been launched in a bid to stop travelling criminals targeting the Ribble Valley.

Operation Enclosure saw a dozen police officers spot-checking motorists in Chatburn for seatbelt use and vehicle safety yesterday.

The operation is also being used to put the squeeze on travelling criminals using the Ribble Valley as rich pickings and looks set to be stepped up over the coming months.

Last week police warned that the large, isolated houses of the area and well-off residents were attracting crooks from as far away as Scotland and Bristol.

Operation Enclosure is being spearheaded PS Chris Johnson of Clitheroe police, who delivered a firm warning to motorists flouting the law.

He said: "Unroadworthy vehicles driven at speed by motorists not wearing seatbelts will not be tolerated in the Ribble Valley, in line with Lancashire Constabulary objectives on reducing the number of road casualties.

"We intend carrying out spot checks at various times and locations around the area over the coming months."

The wearing of seatbelts became compulsory in 1983 but many motorists and car passengers still fail to wear them, particularly in the backs of vehicles.

And in 2000 nearly 10,000 fixed penalty notices were issued to Lancashire people caught breaking the law by not wearing seatbelts.

Theft of and from vehicles and agricultural machinery are the area's biggest problem, as well as theft of rare stone and garden features.

Operation Enclosure has involved officers from the Accrington Road Policing Unit and Clitheroe and Longridge Police Stations.