POLICE are targeting businesses who buy and sell illegal car parts or vehicles that have been written off.

Officers from the force's road policing and serious and organised crime units are visiting firms to make sure they are complying with the Motor Salvage Regulations 2002.

As part of the clampdown, codenamed Operation Partridge, police were today visiting firms in Pennine Division which covers Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

Officers are tomorrow due to target motor salvage operators in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley and on Friday will be in Fleetwood.

Trading standards, local authorities, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, power firm United Utilities and the Environment Agency are also taking part in the operation.