More than 60 vehicles were checked on the B4100 at Aynho and the A422 at Farthinghoe, as Brackley's Rural Safer Community Team worked with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and the Environment Agency.

Cars were checked for illegal fuels such as red diesel and scrap metal.

Six vehicles were immediately prohibited by VOSA and the two which were found to be using red diesel were immediately fined £1,000 plus back calculations for three years.

The checks also discovered four waste transfer offences; scrap metal and batteries were seized from one vehicle, and the driver of the vehicle was also reported for driving with no insurance and no driving licence.

PC Martyn Dearsley from the Brackley Rural Safer Community Team said: "The checks were carried out in reaction to recent metal thefts from local churches, farms, and schools in the area."

Police are urging businesses and individuals to be alert to the problem and take care with their security.