THEY have put the brakes on hundreds of criminals, seizing guns, drugs and cash.

Now, the Humberside Police's roads crime section is celebrating its fifth anniversary with the addition of two new members.

PC Mark Thompson and sniffer dog Lenny – who can smell drugs, cash, and weapons – have joined the team.

Since its inception in 2005, roads crime officers have made thousands of arrests and seized drugs, weapons and vehicles worth millions of pounds.

On a visit to Hessle Police Station to meet the team yesterday, Home Secretary and Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson said the force is "leading the way" in roads policing.

He said: "I have been really impressed by this intelligence-led operation.

"It is not about catching speeding cars, it is about picking up serious criminals.

"What I have seen is an amazing mix of old-fashioned policing and new technology. Where Humberside has led, others will follow."

The high-powered vehicles used by the team offer remote access to national networks and the police database, as well as being equipped with video cameras and recording equipment.

Sergeant Mike Peck, of the roads crime team, said Lenny will be an invaluable asset to the team.

He said: "If criminals are hiding drugs, cash, explosives, or firearms, this dog has a 99 per cent chance of finding them."