More than 100 arrests in multi-force operation targeting vehicles linked to crime
More than 100 arrests were made in a multi-force operation targeting criminals using the road and rail networks to carry out acquisitive crime linked to drug supply.
Automatic number plate recognition and intelligence was used to target vehicles linked to crime in the operation led by Hertfordshire Constabulary.
Nine other forces – Surrey, Thames Valley, Metropolitan Police Service, Essex, Kent, Bedfordshire, Sussex, City of London and the British Transport Police also took part in the operation.
In total, 110 arrests were made across the region last week.
During the 72-hour long operation, officers in Hertfordshire made 15 arrests, seized five weapons, £5,000 in cash, and two vehicles. There were also 14 occasions where drugs were seized by officers.
The operation saw specialist teams deployed from across the force, with officers from the Operation Scorpion team, the Operational Support Group (OSG), vehicle intercept teams, intelligence officers.
There was also support from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit and OSG’s drones were utilised.
Inspector Paul Stanbridge, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operational Support Group, said: “A dedicated team of officers from multiple teams and units across the organisation have worked together as part of this strategic operation, targeting criminals who intend on committing crime both in Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas.
“Our goal has been to intercept as many criminals as we can, and hopefully in time bring them to justice. We hope that the results send a reassuring message out to the people of Hertfordshire.
“Our work to disrupt this kind of criminality continues all year round, and I would like to say a big thank you to members of the public across the county for the intelligence reports we receive every day. You are playing a vital role in helping us to tackle crime and your assistance is greatly appreciated.”