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Stretch limos 'front for crime' Stretch limos 'front for crime'
(about 3 hours later)
Some stretch limousine businesses in the UK are acting as a front for organised crime, senior police officers have told BBC News.Some stretch limousine businesses in the UK are acting as a front for organised crime, senior police officers have told BBC News.
In the first UK-wide operation targeting limousines, police uncovered crimes including drug dealing, money laundering and car ringing.In the first UK-wide operation targeting limousines, police uncovered crimes including drug dealing, money laundering and car ringing.
More than 20 forces across the UK have been targeting the unregulated industry over the past month.More than 20 forces across the UK have been targeting the unregulated industry over the past month.
Some of the limousines were also found to be unsafe.Some of the limousines were also found to be unsafe.
Chief Supt Geraint Anwel, chairman of the National Roads Policing Intelligence Forum - which led the operation - said: "Our concerns are that with every passing day the possibility of these vehicles falling apart increases significantly.Chief Supt Geraint Anwel, chairman of the National Roads Policing Intelligence Forum - which led the operation - said: "Our concerns are that with every passing day the possibility of these vehicles falling apart increases significantly.
We have seen, on a number off occasions, some pretty unsavoury people driving or inside these vehicles Chief Supt Geraint Anwel We have seen, on a number of occasions, some pretty unsavoury people driving or inside these vehicles Chief Supt Geraint Anwel
"It won't be long before we see the contents of these vehicles being spilt out onto one of our roads.""It won't be long before we see the contents of these vehicles being spilt out onto one of our roads."
Drivers were not subject to normal Criminal Record Bureau checks, he said.Drivers were not subject to normal Criminal Record Bureau checks, he said.
"We have seen, on a number off occasions, some pretty unsavoury people driving or inside these vehicles who wouldn't normally be in a position where they'd be able to be with young children in party situations." "We have seen, on a number of occasions, some pretty unsavoury people driving or inside these vehicles who wouldn't normally be in a position where they'd be able to be with young children in party situations."
The National Limousine Association - set up to bring some regulation to the industry - says it knows the industry has been infiltrated by people who are using it for illegal purposes.The National Limousine Association - set up to bring some regulation to the industry - says it knows the industry has been infiltrated by people who are using it for illegal purposes.
The association says it wants the illegality to stop so that legal, reputable companies can get on with their job.The association says it wants the illegality to stop so that legal, reputable companies can get on with their job.