Four people arrested following helicopter search after Range Rover is stolen in Clacton
The stolen vehicle was located by police within 20 minutes of being reported
Essex Police have arrested four people after a Range Rover was reported stolen.
The vehicle was located within just 20 minutes after being reported as stolen to the force yesterday morning (April 10).
The owner of the Range Rover provided police with a tracking system, after they were called to Elthorne Park in Clacton just before 12:45am, enabling officers to see the live-time locations of the vehicle.
It was found empty in Heron Glade.
Four men arrested after Police search
Essex Police dog section and a police helicopter helped to locate four men after the discovery of the vehicle, aged between 18 and 23.
They were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
Three of the men were further arrested on suspicion of going equipped, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a knife or bladed article in a public place and a firearms offence, after a further search of the area led to discoveries of three knives and an imitation firearm.
The firearm was made safe by specialist officers and each weapon was seized.
The Range Rover has now been returned to its owner and the men remain in custody for questioning.
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston said:
“This work in the early hours of the morning shows the best of policing.
“From the minute we received the report from the vehicle owner, officers from a number of areas of the force really came together to make sure that this family’s vehicle was recovered and returned to them.
“Whilst the rest of us were tucked up in bed having enjoyed Easter Sunday or looking forward to seeing family on Easter Monday, these officers were out dealing with serious incidents, reacting quickly and making arrests.”