POLICE stopped and searched 350 vehicles in the Mid Devon area during a major crackdown on rural crime this week.

Officers spent Tuesday and Wednesday checking vehicles for stolen items at junction 27 of the M5 near Tiverton and on roads in the Smeatharpe area.

Operation Mascot was launched following the success of a similar operation in East Devon a month ago.

Police have been working with agencies including the Environment Agency, VOSA and UK Border Agency to tackle rural crime following an increase in thefts of farming equipment and scrap metal from farms, sheds and outbuildings.

As a result of this week’s operation, police say four drivers have been given temporary driving bans for not having roadworthy vehicles, while two are being investigated for carrying scrap metal without the appropriate licence.

Sgt Martin Burrow, from Honiton police station, hailed the operation a success but added: “The full results are yet to be seen.”

Honiton neighbourhood beat manager PC Matt Sinker said: “We can’t put figures on the crime we may have prevented but one of our real successes is the reassurance this gives to the community.”