Key Points
- Havering Joint Task Force (HJTF) arrested 17 suspects in a two-night campaign targeting cross-border crime.
- Six stolen vehicles were recovered linked to thefts across East London and Essex.
- Offences included vehicle theft, handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, drug driving, burglary, and bail breaches.
- Operation involved Essex Police, HJTF, the Dog Section, and aerial support from NPAS using ANPR technology.
- Major arrests involved cloned vehicles, failed court appearances, and drug driving.
- Additional arrests by Essex Police included drink driving, possession with intent to supply class A drugs, and fuel theft.
- The effort targets offenders exploiting Havering’s borders to commit crimes.
- Inspector Mark Connolly urged residents to secure homes and vehicles and use 101 or 999 for emergencies.
What Was the Havering Joint Task Force Operation Against Cross-Border Crime?
The Havering Joint Task Force, in collaboration with Essex Police, the Dog Section, and the National Police Air Service (NPAS), conducted a two-night operation focused on eliminating cross-border criminal activity around Havering. As reported by Inspector Mark Connolly, the HJTF utilises ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology coupled with aerial support from NPAS for enhanced tracking and intervention. This operation specifically targeted acquisitive crimes such as vehicle theft, burglary, and drug-related offences, which exploit Havering’s borders to evade capture.
Who Were the Key Arrests Made and What Crimes Were They Linked To?
According to details shared during the briefing and covered extensively by local news reporters, the operation led to 17 arrests related to serious offences. Major incidents included:
- Vehicle theft, handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, and breach of Crown Court bail: Officers stopped a cloned Toyota Avensis with false plates, connected to recent Toyota Hilux thefts in Hornchurch. The vehicle evaded police in heavy rain, resulting in a pursuit and crash near Ilford Lane. The driver was charged with multiple offences after NPAS tracking. The Avensis had been stolen from Stratford two weeks prior.
- Vehicle theft, going equipped, and handling stolen goods: A man previously arrested after a summer chase in Hornchurch, found guilty in absence at Romford Magistrates, was rearrested by Essex officers in Wickford while breaking into vans. He was driving a vehicle stolen from Burnham, Essex, and faces a likely custodial sentence.
- Handling stolen goods and motor vehicle theft: Two suspects previously caught with a cloned Ford Puma in Harold Hill were tracked again via ANPR technology, arrested near Millennium Way with false plates and blank car keys, and are now in custody under Essex Police investigation.
- Fail to appear in court & residential burglary: A wanted offender was located and arrested in Tilbury for burglary and theft, as reported by PC Williams.
- Drug driving: A prolific Collier Row offender, recently released on robbery charges, failed a roadside drug test and was arrested by the Essex Road Crime Team.
These key arrests were detailed in police briefings and media coverage to illustrate the breadth of crimes addressed during the blitz.
What Additional Arrests Were Made by Essex Police Independently?
Essex Police also took several offenders off the streets as part of the joint initiative. According to statements issued by Essex Police, these arrests included suspects for:
- Drug driving, no insurance, dangerous driving, and drink driving linked to tactical vehicle stops and pursuits.
- Possession with intent to supply (PWITS) class A drugs, following the stop of a vehicle with large quantities of drugs found and both occupants arrested.
- Obstruction of constable and assault of an emergency worker during vehicle removal.
- Fuel theft and drink driving after stopping a vehicle linked to multiple fuel theft incidents.
- Two court warrant-related fail to appear arrests.
These detailed additional arrests demonstrate the wider regional cooperation to disrupt crime chains using Havering as a transit route.
What Is the Impact of the Operation on the Community and Crime Prevention?
Inspector Mark Connolly emphasised the important partnership between the HJTF, Essex Police, NPAS, and local authorities, describing the operation as a direct strike against criminal exploitation of Havering’s borders. He stated,
“HJTF work under the Safer Neighbourhoods umbrella and are supported by local authority funding to focus on acquisitive crime across Havering.”
Highlighting ongoing efforts, Connolly urged community vigilance for home and vehicle security, especially with darker evenings ahead, advising,
“Please ensure your homes and vehicles are secure and valuables are not visible. I’d encourage residents to visit www.metengage.co.uk and always call 101 or 999 in an emergency.”
This operation saw the removal of offenders from the roads, recovery of stolen vehicles, and resolution of dangerous pursuits, reinforcing safety for Havering residents.
How Does the HJTF Plan to Continue Tackling Cross Border Crime?
As reported by the force sources, the HJTF remains committed to joint operations with Essex Police and other partners to proactively identify and remove offenders crossing into Havering to commit acquisitive crimes. Inspector Connolly said,
“We continue to target motor vehicle and burglary offenders coming into Havering, working with our partners and county forces.”
This co-ordinated approach utilising technology like ANPR and aerial surveillance, alongside tactical policing, forms the backbone of sustained crime prevention strategies in the borough.
The Havering Joint Task Force’s recent focused crackdown demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-agency policing and technology-driven operations in combatting persistent cross-border criminal activity affecting local communities.
