Operation Foxtail: disrupting criminal networks and OCG activity

Boston was the focus of Operation Foxtail, Tuesday 14 October, a multi-agency effort identifying and tackling the use of fraudulent driving and identity documents on the county’s roads. This is a key component of a broader, intelligence-led operation designed to disrupt criminal networks and tackle organised crime group (OCG) activity.

Organised criminals have to make use of road networks to carry out their activity at some point, to transport people or items from place to place. When they do so they expose themselves to road traffic law, which is one of the areas in which we have the most expansive powers.

This operation resulted in four people being arrested for identity document offences.  We issued a summons to court for driving without a licence or insurance.  Twelve vehicles were seized for being driven without a licence and / or while uninsured. A rectification scheme ticket was issued in respect of a vehicle which had a bald tyre with cord exposed. Another traffic offence report was issued for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT and five vehicles were prohibited by the DVSA (Driver Vehicle Standards Agency) for being over their prescribed weight or unsafe.

Ch Inspector Richard Nethercott of Boston Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Criminals often rely on fake documents to stay under the radar — but these aren’t just attempts to avoid detection, they can be indicators of deeper, organised criminal activity. By working closely with partners like the DVSA and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, we’re able to identify and disrupt those using our roads to facilitate their criminal enterprise, transfer of illegal goods, exploitation, human trafficking and other serious offences. Multi-agency operations like this are vital in keeping our communities safe.”

The operation brought together Neighbourhood Policing Teams, our Specialist Operations unit, Roads Policing officers, and specifically trained Roads Policing Specials. Partners from the DVSA and Immigration and Customs Enforcement also played a pivotal role throughout the day.

Together, we’re sending a clear message: our commitment to making Lincolnshire’s roads and communities safer is unwavering. If you’re using the road network to commit crime, we will identify you, and we will take action.