UNTAXED vehicles were towed away from the streets of Boscombe in a joint police and DVLA operation.

They took action after complaints from residents about illegal cars littering the streets.

Now they have warned drivers in other areas that they will lose their cars if they don't make sure their tax, insurance and MOT are up-to-date.

And they have asked concerned residents to let them know about any other motorists breaking the law.

The two-day operation started when 18 vehicles were clamped, many in the Churchill and Salisbury Road areas.

Owners were offered the chance to pay a £200 release fee and those who declined - a total of 16 - had their cars removed and taken to a DVLA pound in Southampton.

"We regularly find that untaxed vehicles are uninsured or don't have an MOT," said Tim Cowen of National Car Parks, which runs the DVLA wheel clamping team.

"Our clients at the DVLA have regularly pointed to the links between persistently untaxed vehicles and crime - these are the kind of vehicles that all law-abiding motorists want to see off the streets and we are delighted to work with Dorset Police to help achieve this."

PC Andy Watkins of the Boscombe Safer Neighbourhood Team warned: "If you neglect to display a valid vehicle excise licence the team will have your vehicle clamped."

Anyone with information for the police is asked to call 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.