BETWEEN 13 and 15 October, Essex Police joined forces across the country in a national week of action to tackle vehicle crime.

The operation, called Operation Alliances, was led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and brought together police forces and partners to tackle vehicle crime by focussing on stopping organised crime groups and criminals who use vehicles to commit offences like theft and drug driving.

During a three-day enforcement push, Essex Police made a real impact. Officers from teams across the force worked together using intelligence and collaboration to catch criminals, recover stolen vehicles, and keep our roads safe.

Key outcomes included:

• 20 arrests for crimes including burglary, drug and drink driving, immigration offences, and carrying weapons.
• 16 vehicles seized.
• 9 stolen vehicles recovered, including a stolen Toyota Hilux and a cloned car chased into London.
• 37 traffic offence reports issued.
• A suspected illegal garage (known as a “chop shop”) was found in High Roding, with four stolen vehicles and 15 fuel tanks discovered.
  
• Police also found drugs, weapons, and useful information that will help with future investigations.
  Over the past year, Essex Police has reduced car thefts by 11.4%, meaning 645 fewer cars have been stolen.
  
• Detective Superintendent Shaun Kane, who leads Essex Police’s response to vehicle theft and related criminality said:
  “This operation shows how serious we are about tackling vehicle crime and the wider criminal activity linked to it. Our officers worked hard to target offenders and disrupt criminal networks. The results speak for themselves – fewer stolen cars, more arrests, and a strong message to criminals: if you use our roads to commit crime, we will find you and take action.
  “I want to thank all the officers and staff involved for their professionalism, teamwork, and determination. Their efforts are making a real difference in keeping our communities and neighbourhoods safe.”