(Image: North Yorkshire Police)
A van carrying dozens of fuel containers was stopped by police on the A1 (M).
Two men were arrested after police stopped a van carrying dozens of fuel containers and suspected fuel theft equipment, North Yorkshire Police stated on Friday afternoon.
The silver Mercedes Sprinter van was pulled over at about 11pm on Thursday, October 1 near Catterick Garrison.
Roadside checks revealed the driver was disqualified from driving until March 2027.
Officers detected a strong smell of fuel from the vehicle, and upon searching, found about 40 large fuel containers in the rear, along with piping and gloves.
Although the containers appeared empty, the strong fuel smell persisted inside the van.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified, and both occupants were arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal.
The men remain in police custody as investigations continue.
The van has been seized as part of the investigation.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "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."
Inquiries into the incident are continuing with those with information asked to use the reference 1226019331.