Cross-border criminal activity targeted in joint operation
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Our officers led a joint operation targeting criminals working across the borders of Essex, Hertfordshire and London.
Op Claymore saw us team up with Hertfordshire and the Metropolitan police forces to apprehend vehicles in the west of the county, particularly in and around Harlow and Epping Forest.
The cross-force team responded to automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) hits from vehicles believed to be involved in criminal activity. They were supported by specialists from our Dog, Traffic, Firearms, Disruptor and Community Policing teams.
Five arrests were made for offences including drug driving, failing to attend court, and failing to stop for police officers.
A vehicle that failed to stop was seized after being abandoned by its driver. He was arrested the following day after handing himself in.
Officers also conducted 13 stop and searches.
PC Ross Ashcroft of the Essex Police Dog Unit coordinated the operation.
He said: “The aim of Claymore is to use ANPR and our existing intelligence to target those committing burglary, theft of motor vehicles and violent offences.
“Organised crime groups are using the road network to operate across Essex, London and Herts. We want to prevent them from crossing the borders and committing those offences. There is a pattern so that is why we’re focussing on it.
“Getting different forces and teams to work together and share intelligence about the people and groups committing high harm crime is invaluable.
“This was the fifth Claymore operation. We’re pushing 50 arrests and have had some excellent results so it’s definitely making an impact.”
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