South Yorkshire police have partnered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to carry out a joint operation to tackle organised immigration crime on the roads of South Yorkshire.

Officers stopped lorries and large vans which may be travelling from or to UK ports, to crack down on the transport of people who may be attempting to enter the UK illegally.

They aim to raise awareness of the dangers of travelling into the country in this way.

Some of the main concerns are that people travelling like this may not have access to food, water or basic resources.

South Yorkshire Police said these people are also more likely to be at an increased risk of being or becoming victims of modern slavery.

During the day’s operation, held on Monday 16 September, officers searched several lorries and vans, to ensure that they were not involved in the illegal transportation of people. Officers did not find anything on this occasion.

Signs of possible immigration crime include seeing people exit the back of a lorry at a service station or on the side of the road, people interfering with parked lorries or other large vehicles, and individuals or groups of people walking along main road networks such as a motorway for no apparent reason.

If you see signs of immigration crime, or have information that could help officers you should call the police on 101.

Or to submit information anonymously, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.