The force said it was part of a long-term commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour.

They are stepping up their efforts to deter unlicensed and uninsured drivers from getting behind the wheel.

Officers are using new powers to seize uninsured vehicles, or those being driven without an appropriate licence, to target persistent offenders.

Vehicles being driven illegally and inconsiderately are a major cause of anti-social behaviour, said police.

Taking the wheels out from under offenders has a direct impact on crime Ch Supt Paul Forrester

They are less likely to be insured and are often linked to criminal activity, being used as pool cars by offenders for use in drive-offs from petrol stations, to distribute drugs or to taxi offenders to and from crime scenes.

A specialist force-wide unit has been created to co-ordinate the operation, which will be formally launched on Monday though it has been in place since mid-January.

The unit is working alongside the Motor Insurers' Bureau, which has linked their database to the Police National Computer.

Specialist teams carry out thorough checks on vehicles stopped during operations, some of which have been identified as being used in crimes.

Ch Supt Paul Forrester said: "Taking the wheels out from under offenders has a direct impact on crime and vehicle-related anti-social behaviour, which cause our communities and other road users great concern."