THEFTS from lorries and car key burglaries were among the crimes tackled by police as part of an operation which led to arrests.

Officers from West Mercia Police were involved in targeted activity, including patrols to tackle crimes against HGVs at Strensham Services on the M5, near Worcester. 

West Mercia Police revealed the results of the operation as part of Vehicle Crime Intensification Week between Monday, September 16 and Friday, September 22.

Detective chief inspector James Bamber, West Mercia’s Operation Lead for Vehicle Crime, said: “Organised crime groups are often responsible for a significant number of vehicle thefts, whether to export high-end vehicles overseas or to break them up for parts and use in so-called ‘chop shops’.

“Stolen vehicles can also be used in other areas of acquisitive crime as well as drug offending and modern slavery, so tackling these offences is of high importance."

During the week, two offenders were charged by Herefordshire officers for 20 offences, including seven burglaries in which cars were stolen and the remaining 13 were all linked thefts or burglaries of non-dwellings linked to vehicle crime.

Across the forces, four suspects were arrested for theft of a motor vehicle, two were arrested for car key burglaries, and one was arrested for theft from a motor vehicle.

Three stolen vehicles were recovered including one following a pursuit by the Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT) in South Worcestershire.

Officers’ efforts also included targeted patrols conducted at 69 vehicle crime hotspots throughout the force area combining high visibility and covert resources.

Proactive crime prevention activities included delivering number plate anti-tamper devices delivered to previous victims of vehicle theft, and visiting garages and vehicle dealerships to provide anti-tamper kits.

RECOMMENDED READING: Scammed couple threaten legal action against Malvern council

RECOMMENDED READING: Air ambulance sent to Pershore Lane after man seriously hurt

SNTs handed out vehicle security packs including advice leaflets, in-vehicle stickers and VRM tamper proof screw kits at various public engagement events.

In South Worcestershire, officers carried out repeated night patrols at Strensham Services as part of Op Yard which tackles organised criminals who prey on HGV lorries and trailers, slashing curtains and stealing goods from them on a large scale.

Police spoke with HGV drivers to discuss crime prevention, and a Business Watch meeting was held which focused on transport and logistics companies in the Droitwich area.