Essex Police recovered or identified over £13million worth of stolen cars in 2024
Figures show that in the 12 months to the end of November there has been a 10% fall in all vehicle crimes
Last updated 27th Dec 2024
New figures show Essex Police have recovered or identified £13.5million worth of stolen vehicles and vehicle parts in 2024.
To date, that equates to 669 confirmed stolen vehicles in Essex and beyond, 45 “chop shops” identified and 318 vehicle examinations carried out.
They have also intercepted 15 shipping containers, each with several stolen vehicles loaded inside destined for export abroad.
Figures show that in the 12 months to the end of November there has been a 10% fall in all vehicle crimes: that’s 985 less victims of crime compared to the 12-month period ending November 2023.
In the same period, there has been a 3.9% reduction in the reported incidents of theft of vehicles compared with the previous year’s figure: across the county, it equates to 226 fewer cars stolen.
This work builds on the overall crime reduction data from across the county showing crime continues to fall with nearly 9,500 fewer offences than the previous 12 months.
Detective Superintendent Shaun Kane who leads the force’s response to this priority crime-type said:
"Collaboration between teams from across the force means we are now consistently delivering policing activities that aim to disrupt organised criminal gangs from carrying out vehicle thefts or opportunistic individuals.
Our resources are being used to great effect, in the areas where they are needed the most and have the greatest impact.
Everything we do works towards making Essex hostile for criminals so that we can protect our residents, communities, and businesses."
The force say in the last year they've solved 3.7% more vehicle crimes achieved by focussing on organised crime groups and identifying those responsible and bringing perpetrators before the courts.
In October alone, the solved rate increased to 10.6% compared to October last year.