OPERATION Export has already brought a marked improvement in cases involving auto crime in the area around the St Helens stretch of the East Lancashire Road.

Launched on November 20, 2000, the operation covers the East Lancs between the Royal Oak pub and Golborne island, and police claim there has already been a 28 per cent reduction against the number of cars stolen during the same period in 1999.

A specially marked police vehicle, navigated by highly trained Class 1 police drivers, has been patrolling the stretch of road during peak times with the aim of tracking down offenders as quick as possible.

Since its introduction, the operation has already resulted in 56 arrests -- including 26 for auto crime, 10 arrested for drug offences, 11 for violence, three for drink driving with six further warrants issued. Of the auto-crime offences, two people were arrested for 'drive-off' offences -- filling up petrol tanks and driving away without paying -- which occurred at the Caldo petrol forecourt on the East Lancs Road.

Officers are now so pleased with the success of Operation Export that they are trying to extend it to a 24-hour service.