Detectives investigating vehicle thefts in East Dorset make a series of arrests
The detainees include two men from Wimborne and a woman from Bournemouth
Detectives have made several arrests after executing a warrant as part of an investigation into reported vehicle thefts in East Dorset.
The Section 8 PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence) warrant was conducted at an address in Holt in Wimborne on Tuesday 3 December 2024 following detailed enquiries by detectives into reports of vehicle thefts made in September 2024.
A 36-year-old woman from Bournemouth and a 56-year-old man from Coulsdon in Surrey were arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle offences. Following searches and enquiries made at the address, they were also arrested on suspicion of holding a person in slavery or servitude.
A 59-year-old man from Southampton in Hampshire and a 33-year-old man and a 52-year-old man – both from Wimborne – were arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle offences. The 52-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.
All five people have been released under investigation as further enquiries are carried out.
Inspector Emma Reeves, of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: “We are continuing to investigate the reported vehicle thefts and these arrests demonstrate that we are taking appropriate action and covering all proportionate lines of enquiry to recover stolen vehicles.
“If you have been the victim of vehicle crime, I would urge you to report the incident to us.
“This warrant has also led to further enquiries into suspected modern slavery offences being committed at the address. We would ask anyone who is the victim of modern slavery offences or any kind of exploitation to please come forward to report it to us, in the knowledge that you will be fully supported and we will thoroughly investigate the matter.
“Furthermore, members of the public are advised to be vigilant of the signs that someone could be being exploited and to report any concerns to police.”