Three men have been arrested and more than £150k in cash has been seized after a series of warrants at locations in Essex and London.

Officers from Castle Point and Rochford Neighbourhood Policing Team led the coordinated strikes at just before 7am this morning (Wednesday 16 September) at addresses in Chelmsford, Ongar, Rawreth, Stapleford Abbots and Dagenham following an investigation into car theft and cloning.

Arrests were made at the Ongar, Stapleford Abbots and Dagenham properties, with all three men detained on suspicion of conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. They were taken to Southend Police Station for questioning.

As well as the cash, officers also recovered stolen car parts from four of the locations, mobile phones, cannabis, weapons, and devices associated with vehicle crime.

Sergeant Adam Jarvis of Castle Point and Rochford NPT said:

“The arrests made today demonstrate our commitment to tackling vehicle crime and those who profit from it.

“We know the significant impact these thefts have on victims. These are the vehicles they use for work and to take their children to school. Nobody wants to wake up in the morning and see an empty space outside their house.

“The cash, suspected stolen car parts and other items recovered during these searches represent a significant result, but we will continue to target offenders, disrupt organised criminality across our districts and beyond, and put those involved in vehicle crime before the courts.”

With permissions https://essexpolicemedia.co.uk/