ARRESTS have been made and cars seized as police take a "tough stance" against vehicle crime across the Dudley borough.

West Midlands Police have been carrying out operations in a bid to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on roads and deter criminals.

A driver was stopped in Halesowen, with drugs and two large zombie knives found in the vehicle earlier today (November 9).

The driver also provided a positive drugs test and is now in custody.

In Lye on Wednesday (November 8), 13 drivers were reported for offences including illegal window tints, no insurance, no MOT, not wearing seatbelts, an insecure load, unroadworthy tyres and mobile phone use.

One car was seized as the driver had no insurance and two were dealt with by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for vehicle defects.

On the same day, a car was stopped in Brierley Hill and checks found the driver had no licence and no insurance. The car was seized and the driver reported. Three more cars had been seized on Saturday evening into Sunday morning for no insurance.

On Tuesday, officers seized another car which they found to be on false plates. Checks established it had been stolen during a burglary in July and the driver was arrested.

Neighbourhood manager Inspector Michelle Allen said: “We are committed to making our roads safer by tackling dangerous drivers, criminals and offenders who pose a serious risk to themselves and other road users.

“We conduct regular traffic operations that target drivers who use the roads whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“We also conduct regular operations to tackle speeding and mobile phone use while driving and deal with safety issues like not wearing seatbelts, inappropriate child safety, and window tints which reduce vision."