ONE of the North's police forces has recorded promising figures for its part in the region's biggest drive against car crime.

Northumbria Police officers arrested 130 suspected car crooks in their first two weeks of Operation Outlaw, launched last month.

A total of 146 vehicles were stolen in the force area, which includes Tyne and Wear, between September 18 and yesterday. Police recovered 104 of those vehicles, with a value of £183,124.

The number of vehicles taken without the owner's consent was 172 and there were 433 thefts from vehicles.

Superintendent Eric Mock said: "We have made a promising start with Operation Outlaw and we aim to build on this over the next two weeks.

"Car criminals will be in no doubt that we mean business as we continue to put pressure on them, working in partnership with other forces."

Operation Outlaw aims to catch organised criminals responsible for more than 60,000 thefts or break-ins last year.

The Durham, Cleveland, North Yorkshire and Northumbria forces have joined Cumbria and British Transport Police in mounting the month-long initiative.

People are urged to call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555111 with information on vehicle crime.