MORE THAN 50 vehicles were stopped in an overnight patrol conducted by Barnsley East police.
Early on Wednesday morning, officers from the Road Policing Unit and Tasking Team patrolled Darton, Mapplewell, Kexbrough, Staincross and Cawthorne in a focus on overnight crime.
In a police statement, PC Bev Frisby said: “Eight vehicles were stopped in the Darton, Mapplewell, Kexbrough area - all legitimate owners.
“Road Policing Unit officers had a transit van fail to stop in the Cawthorne area, but despite the helicopter and dog handler attending, the occupants made good their escape after it drove through a gate into a farmers field.
“The van was recovered, it had been stolen from the Swillington area of Leeds on February 9.
“The registration number had been altered to try to disguise its true identity.
“Undoubtedly preventing these offenders committing further offences in the Barnsley area.
“In all, over 50 vehicles were stopped and the drivers spoken with.”
