MILITARY and civilian police joined forces recently to clamp down on car crime.

Officers from Whitehill police station, special constables, RAF Oakhanger and the Bordon Garrison recently took part in a two-day exercise on the A325 and in The Square in Liphook to ensure that motorists were keeping their cars up to standard.

Cars were routinely checked for their road worthiness and officers took the opportunity to check the drivers were within the alcohol limit and to carry out speed checks

Although the exercise did not result in a large number of arrests or court summonses, officers say that it was very successful.

Sergeant Rick Davidson said: ÒPeople were advised about a number of minor traffic offences and are being given the chance to put them right.

ÒThe exercise was to advise on faults that many people were not aware of. A number of lights were faulty and several cars were pulled up for not having a tax disc.Ó

Officers at Whitehill are also keen to remind motorists to take care in future cold snaps.

Sgt Davidson said that since the beginning of the year officers had dealt with eight ice-related accidents.

He also warned drivers against driving their cars with their windows still icy.

ÒWeÕve noticed some people driving with little windows of visibility in icy windows.

ÒPeople should take time to clear their car of ice so they have all round visibility.Ó