A van driver and passenger were arrested on suspicion of "numerous offences" in Oldham, as Greater Manchester Police reported two traffic incidents on Sunday night.
Traffic officers said the van in Oldham was displaying false plates and had been used in a spate of fuel thefts in Greater Manchester.
They said patrol cars boxed in the white Fiat van, and the driver and passenger were "detained and dealt with for numerous offences", with the vehicle seized.
Meanwhile in Middleton, police stopped a Ford Fiesta reported to be stolen.
Officers said the blue Fiesta was displaying false plates and failed to stop for a patrol car.
A short pursuit took place before the vehicle was abandoned.
Greater Manchester Police said on Twitter: "Driver and passenger gave it legs but couldn’t negotiate the fences."
They said the driver and passenger were both arrested on suspicion of burglary and the vehicle was recovered.
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