A WILTSHIRE Police operation targeting rural crime at the weekend resulted in a fine being issued.

Operation Engage targets rural crime by using as many resources as possible to proactively patrol rural areas, including farms and isolated rural buildings.

The operation, which ran from Friday until Sunday, involved 22 people from Wiltshire Police, the Special Constables, the Royal Military Police and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

During the operation 61 vehicles were stopped and 15 fuel tanks were checked for red untaxed diesel.

One was found to have red diesel and the driver was given an on the spot fine of £510. If he is caught again the fine will rise to £1,000.

Insp Christian Lange said: “Experience shows that people who use red diesel in their vehicles are often involved in other criminal activity and Wiltshire Police and partner agencies will do all they can to disrupt the activity of criminals who target rural areas.”