(Image: North Yorkshire Police)
Two men were arrested after police stopped a van on the A1(M) and uncovered dozens of fuel containers and equipment suspected of being used in fuel thefts.
Officers were patrolling near Catterick Garrison at around 11pm on Thursday, October 1, when they pulled over a silver Mercedes Sprinter van.
Checks at the roadside revealed the driver had been disqualified from driving until March 2027.
Police said officers also detected a strong smell of fuel coming from the vehicle.
A search of the van uncovered around 40 large fuel containers in the rear, along with piping and gloves.
Although the containers appeared to be empty, officers said there was still a strong smell of fuel inside the back of the van.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified.
Both the driver and a passenger were also arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal.
A spokesperson from North Yorkshire Police said: "They were taken into custody for questioning and the van was seized as part of the investigation.
"Our officers are out on mobile patrol around the clock, day and night, across North Yorkshire.
"We can’t be everywhere, but we could be anywhere."
Anyone with information relating to the incident can quote reference 12260193317 when contacting police.