The aim of the scheme was to track down people driving stolen vehicles or without documents such as insurance or MoT.

The initiative, which is part of a national campaign, saw 27 vehicles being stopped and the drivers reported for a number of document offences.

A JCB digger which was stolen from Hall Road in Langley Mill on March 20 and a Citroen Xsara were recovered and six people were arrested for various vehicle related offences.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said: "Officers, together with the South Derbyshire Automatic Number Plate Recognition intercept team patrolled the area of Heanor and Langley Mill.

"This was a co-ordinated operation to reduce crime and disorder in the local area, deter travelling criminals and provide a safer environment for the residents of Heanor and Langley Mill."

Following on from the success of the campaign the police will be running similar operations in the future.