Eleven people have been arrested, six vehicles seized and £5,000 in cash recovered in Leicestershire during a national week of action targeting vehicle crime.
‘Op Alliances’ ran across the UK from Monday 28 September to Monday 5 October to disrupt the theft of motor vehicles and car key burglaries, as well as the supply chains connected with theft from vehicles.
The week also focused on coordinating intelligence gathering by other forces and agencies, such as the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) and the National Crime Agency.
In Leicestershire, an intelligence-led Roads Policing Unit operation was run on the evening of Friday 2 October, which led to 10 arrests on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft from HGVs. As a result of these arrests, six vehicles were seized and eight searches were carried out across multiple force areas, including Nottinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and London. A significant number of mobile phones were recovered, as well as £5,000 in cash, laptops, vehicle keys and SIM cards. All 10 have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
During the intensification week, a 39-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assault, driving without insurance and theft, and for being wanted on a warrant. He was released on bail.
Across the week, vehicle crime prevention messages were posted on the force’s social media accounts, reminding people to lock their vehicles, keep keyless car fobs in signal-blocking containers and secure their homes to prevent people from breaking in and stealing their car keys.
Chief Inspector Rich Jackson said: “This was an exceptional result for Leicestershire Police and a clear demonstration of the value of intelligence-led, proactive policing. I would like to personally thank everyone involved, from the intelligence officers who developed the information to the Roads Policing Unit officers on patrol that night and the investigators who are progressing the case. Their professionalism, flexibility and teamwork were instrumental in delivering this excellent outcome.
“Vehicle crime has consequences for individuals, communities and businesses, and everyone has a role to play in protecting their vehicles and their contents and helping us prevent vehicle crime.”
Nationally, more than 100 warrants were executed across 32 force areas, leading to 286 arrests and the seizure of 319 stolen vehicles with an estimated value of more than £2.6 million. Police activity also disrupted 20 organised crime gangs with links to a range of additional criminal activities, including drugs, firearms and burglary.
