Nine uninsured drivers and a wanted chicken thief were stopped on a Bolton road in the course of just five hours.

The drivers were all stopped on Derby Street while officers were conducting road checks on Thursday as part of Operation Considerate.

As well as the uninsured drivers and the thief, who had been wanted for around two years after stealing chicken in Rochdale, officers also reported another 21 drivers for a range of offences.

A Greater Manchester Police Spokesperson said: “GMP Transport Unit get lots of questions about why we do roadside operations such as Operation Considerate.

“The truth is we are keeping the roads safe and communities safer through positive action.

“Whilst conducting our road checks at Derby Street, Bolton today, over five hours we have removed nine uninsured vehicles from Bolton's road and reported the drivers.

“We have issued 21 traffic offence reports for offences from Mobile phone use, no Seatbelt, fail to stop at red light etc.

“We also arrested this suspect who was pulled into our check site for similar road offences.”

Officers jokes that after arresting the man for theft of a large amount of chicken from Rochdale, he would be in a ‘fowl’ mood.

“When officers checked his details, they were surprised to find that he had been wanted for two years for theft of chicken, 250lbs of chicken to be precise worth £1100 from Rochdale.

2He was arrested and taken to custody, unfortunately it was chicken korma for tea tonight in the cells which left him in a ‘fowl’ mood.

“No matter, straight to interview and we shall see what he says about a charge of poultry with intent to supply.

“Local people thought it was an Eggs-ellent arrest but by all means the good people of Bolton can keep them coming just get them in a pecking order.”

This comes amid long running concerns about anti-social behaviour and crime on the roads in and around Bolton as well as across the Greater Manchester area more broadly.

Officers have appealed for anyone with any concerns to call 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.

Alternatively, witnesses can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.