Epping Forest: six arrested in connection with vehicle thefts in May
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Thanks to the work of Loughton Local Policing Team, six people have been arrested in connection with stolen vehicles and 25 cars recovered.
The arrests took place between 12 and 30 May across Epping Forest district.
Sergeant Josh Stephens, who leads Loughton Local Policing Team response, said:
We understand the harm that vehicle theft has on our residents and businesses.
That’s why we’ve been focussing on identifying and targeting those responsible.
My team have worked hard to do that, and we’ve seen successes which we hope to continue.
We’ve researched and analysed intelligence to help identify patterns of offending which has shaped our response, meaning we’ve been able to create a more focussed patrol strategy.
We understand the harm that vehicle theft has on our residents and businesses.
That’s why we’ve been focussing on identifying and targeting those responsible.
My team have worked hard to do that, and we’ve seen successes which we hope to continue.
We’ve researched and analysed intelligence to help identify patterns of offending which has shaped our response, meaning we’ve been able to create a more focussed patrol strategy.
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Vehicle theft is a force priority and as part of this work, dedicated Loughton LPT officers have:
• Arrested a 16-year-old boy in Loughton on suspicion of theft of two cars and driving without a licence;
• Two teenage boys on suspicion of theft of vehicles;
• Three men were also arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft - two men in Brentwood and one man in Ongar.
We’re also tackling cross border offences and working with colleagues in other forces or across other Essex Police districts.
Vehicle crime isn’t a standalone crime, there are often associated offences such as drug possession, carrying offensive weapons and going equipped to steal cars and they also have an impact on our communities.
We’d ask the public to help us tackle car crime and to report any suspicious activity so that we can deal.
In the last three months, we’ve recovered 25 cars and returned them to their owners who have been very grateful, but we’d rather stop them from being stolen in the first place.
I’d encourage anyone who has any information that could help our investigations or help us identify who’s responsible to get in touch.
Those arrested have been released under investigation whilst we continue to investigate each case.
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There are some practical steps that you as a car owner can take to help prevent falling victim to this crime:
Always lock your car, never leave it unlocked and unattended, even for a short period of time.
Keep your keys in a safe place, away from open windows and doors.
Never leave the engine running whilst you pop into a shop or de-ice your car.
Use additional security measures such as a wheel lock.
Use a Faraday pouch to keep your keys in – it protects the electronic locking system.
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