A man dressed as Father Christmas was stopped by police as part of an intensive drive to nab criminals in the run-up to the festive season.

He was pulled over at a road check in Aylesford, Kent, this morning and told to have defective lights on his van fixed within 14 days.

His run-in with the law was part of Operation Whirlwind, a campaign by Kent Police to take criminals off the streets and highlight road safety.

Twelve arrests have so far been made, with property including a knuckle-duster, cash, a motorbike, perfume and drugs being seized.

Deputy chief constable Alan Pughsley said: "Today's action is just the start.

"My officers will be targeting crime today, tonight, tomorrow and every day. There will be no safe havens for criminals in Kent."

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