Essex Police take part in joint operation that see's 169 arrested
The operation targeted criminals using the road and rail networks
Last updated 9th Dec 2020
Essex Police has taken part in a joint operation that saw 169 people arrested.
A three day operation took place between December 1st and 3 targeting criminals using the road and rail networks to carry out offences.
Essex Police were one force that took part, they worked alongside the Metropolitan Police, Thames Valley Police, Hertfordshire, Surrey, City of London Police and British Transport Police.
Officers from these forces' proactive and roads policing teams worked together to patrol the networks, and they were supported by a joint intelligence team.
This team monitored ANPR cameras across all force areas to identify and intercept vehicles and individuals of interest.
As a result of this operation 169 people were arrested on suspicion of a variety of offences including; possession with intent to supply drugs, possession of offensive weapons and being concerned in the supply of drugs.
Over 32 weapons and 25 vehicles were also seized, with two stolen cars and plant machinery were part of these recovered vehicles.
Superintendent Amy Clements from Thames Valley Police, who led the operation, said:
“This has been a really successful operation. We know that many organised offenders use the major road and rail networks across the South East of the country to travel between different force areas and commit crimes.
“It has been really beneficial for all of the forces involved in this operation to build on existing relationships to work together to combat offenders who work to exploit victims across the region.
“Our teams patrolled the road and rail networks and used intelligence including ANPR cameras to identify those who we believe have been committing criminal offences and crossing police force borders in an attempt to evade capture.
“Let me be clear, this sort of organised criminal activity is not tolerated and offenders should know that police forces work together to disrupt them and to prevent them from disrupting our communities. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities.”