TRAVELLING criminals have been targeted by West Mercia police in a crossborder operation.

Patrol cars from Herefordshire joined their Welsh counterparts last week for the latest phase of Operation Ohio.

The operation aims to stop or prevent travelling criminals targeting premises in Mid Wales and the Marches.

Dyfed-Powys police press officer, Antony Topazio, said a similar operation in February had resulted in a four-month prison sentence.

Police sent out doublemanned patrol cars and used automatic number plate recognition during last week’s three-day operation.

The latest phase finished last Friday and saw local officers work alongside Gwent, South Wales and Dyfed-Powys colleagues.