Scores of cars have been taken off the streets in a blitz on untaxed vehicles. Northumbria police have clamped down to reduce the risk of these cars being used by criminals to carry out further offences. The vehicles have been towed away in the second sweep of Operation Cubit, a strike working with Northumberland Fire and Rescue service, the DVLA and district councils. Officers removed a further 24 vehicles for not having tax discs from Blyth, Ashington and Bedlington areas of Northumberland. It brings the total to 94 vehicles removed throughout the operation. Chief Inspector Graham Davis, of South East Northumberland command area, said: "Experience has shown that untaxed or abandoned cars are very likely to be involved in crime or be used as pool cars - owned by no-one but used by several criminals. "It is very much in a driver's own interest, and cheaper, to ensure they comply with the law and get their car taxed. "We would encourage people to let us know if there are untaxed cars in their neighbourhood because ultimately it is the law-abiding public losing out. "Those cars will be targeted during the next phase of Operation Cubit." Senior traffic warden Glen Graham, who has been co-ordinating the operation from the police side, pledged that more sweeps were planned over the coming months. He said: "We also removed several wrecked cars and are reminding drivers to notify the DVLA as soon as they buy a vehicle. "Failure to do so can lead to them receiving a large fine or even having the vehicle crushed. "Drivers whose cars were removed could face fees of more than £200 to get them back, plus the cost of an excise licence. "Those who don't pay will have their cars crushed without further notice." | 
