Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit seize 15 cars in Epping Forest area

Acting on information received, our Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit (SVIU) attended a location in the west of the county on Monday 11 September where they found several stolen vehicles that had or were in the process of having their identities changed.

Officers found both high value cars alongside family and business vehicles.

Following an examination of the vehicles at the location, fifteen vehicles of interest were recovered, having been stolen from within Essex and several London areas.

It is suspected these vehicles were destined to be sold on, purporting to be ‘genuine’ vehicles to potential unsuspecting buyers.

Detective Sergeant David St John, said:

“Our SVIU officers are experienced, qualified vehicle examiners who are able to carry out enquiries quickly in busy areas, to identify vehicles of interest.
“Changes to each of the vehicles would have made it difficult for a member of the public to detect, but thanks to my team’s experience and eye for detail, they have recovered fifteen vehicles in what is a significant, intelligence-led policing operation.
“Forensic examination of these vehicles will assist the team in identifying those involved and the wider networks they operate in.”

If you or someone you know is looking to buy a used car, do some research before you part with your hard-earned cash.

Ask the owner why they are selling it, make HPI checks and check its value. If the asking price is too good to be true, it probably is.

For more advice, visit Buying a used car? | Essex Police

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