Three arrested following Op Airwalk joint agency crackdown

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit, Neighbourhood Policing Team and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were involved in a joint operation between 8am and 9.15am at Beech Hurst, Haywards Heath when a Ford Transit flatbed was stopped due a passenger not wearing a seatbelt. Further inquiries revealed that the occupants of the vehcile had been involved in theft by false representation the previous day in Wilfred Road, Hove.

Prior to this four drivers were dealt with for using mobile phones, one for being distracted by doing their son's homework and eighteen for failing to wear a seat belt.

Sergeant Rachel Mundy from the neighbourhood policing team said: "Operation Airwalk is aimed at educating drivers using mobile phones and both drivers and passengers found not wearing seat belts. Each offender is given the option of an on-the-spot fixed penalty notice or to take time out to view a fire service presentation demonstrating the potential consequences of their offences. Fire officers offer their own personal experiences to highlight the dangers and reinforce the messages."

Operation Airwalk will continue throughout the Mid Sussex District for the remainder of February.