FIVE people were arrested as police targeted rural crime hotspots and travelling criminals in North Yorkshire.

The hard-hitting "day of action" on Thursday (26 February) saw suspected stolen property recovered, Class A drugs seized and a suspected drink driver taken off the road.

In addition, a total of 47 vehicles were stopped, with fixed penalty notices issued for offences including mobile phone use, no insurance, no seat belt, no MOT, speeding and lighting offences.

The operation covered the Craven, Richmond, Catterick Garrison, Stokesley, Thirsk and Easingwold areas of North Yorkshire.

Three men were arrested on the M1 near Garforth after reports of two shop thefts. Officers seized 83 bottles of spirits with a value of about £1,500 plus medication and a quantity of meat.

The Operation Hawk initiative to tackle rural and cross-border crime was supported by Country Watch volunteers who worked alongside police officers.

The police-led campaign is already showing results: there were 5,709 incidents of rural crime in North Yorkshire in 2014, down from 6,341 in 2013.

A police spokesman said: "Criminals coming to North Yorkshire are finding that it is very difficult to get in and out again without us catching them or knowing they have been here.

"Travelling criminals and local law-breakers should take note, the tough stance shown during yesterday's Operation Hawk day of action will continue.

"North Yorkshire is one of the safest places in the country and we are determined to keep it that way."