More than 100 vehicles were searched in Suffolk during a two-day police operation designed to catch criminals on the run.

Officers stationed at the Tesco Lorry Park in Copdock, Ipswich, targeted vehicles that were known or suspected to be used by foreign national criminals, a Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said.

He explained the scheme was aimed at “catching travelling criminals who use the roads to avoid detection and move around the UK”.

Officers across the country stopped vehicles of interest and carried out roadside checks to see if the occupants were wanted by police in their home countries.

In Suffolk, 107 vehicles were pulled over, leading to seven being seized and 51 fixed penalty notices being issued.

Police also issued 22 immediate prohibition notices, 46 delayed prohibition notices and 139 advisory notices in relation to vehicle defects.

Vehicles were checked for red diesel with one fine of more than £500 being issued. Drug searches were carried out, resulting in four cannabis warnings and a FPN being handed out.

A stolen Wacker plate and a stolen mini digger and trailer were also both recovered.

Police were based at the Tesco Lorry Park on Thursday and Eye Airfield on Friday.

Vehicles that were stopped were escorted to a central site where partner agencies, such as VOSA, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Hidden Economy Team and the Department for Work and Pension, carried out further checks.

Inspector Darren Elliot, from the Suffolk and Norfolk Roads Policing and Firearms Unit, said the initiative sent out a “firm message” to criminals.

He said: “Operations such as this put out a positive and firm message to road users in Suffolk and demonstrate our commitment to working with our partners to tackle crime on Suffolk’s roads.

“Both the police officers and our partner agencies put in a lot of hard work and it was pleasing that we were able to see some positive results.”