ROGUE traders were the target of a joint operation between the police and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in Halesowen.

The day long operation on Wednesday saw 30 vehicles stopped on Mucklow Hill as the HMRC Hidden Economy and Red Diesel Tipping Team tried to snare those involved in the black economy.

Two men aged 29 and 30 had their vehicle seized and were arrested on suspicion of theft of a set of number plates from Rowley Regis and for various offences of theft of petrol in West Mercia.

They were took into custody and were questioned by officers.

Two vehicles were seized for having no insurance and one of the drivers was reported for driving licence offences.

Sergeant Martin Hall, neighbourhood supervisor, said: “It’s really important for members of the public to see that we are doing joint partner operations like this.

“People driving illegally or handling scrap metal in Halesowen and across the border in to Sandwell, know that we will not tolerate this type of crime".