Disrupting vehicle offences with Op Alliances

In October, we took direct targeted action against vehicle crime in conjunction with Forces and other partners around the country. 

Our most important partners, as always, were you the public.

Five of the arrests during this activity were directly because of someone making a report when they saw a van behaving strangely in their neighbourhood – more below. 

Operation Alliances, spearheaded by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, was a multi-faceted effort with a particular focus on disrupting vehicle crime from organised crime groups. 

In Warwickshire, we carried out six arrests and a significant number of other traffic stops, traffic offence reports, and advisories.

This was during 337 hours’ worth of high-visibility patrols and two plain-clothes operations.

The arrests included a group of people who were discovered sitting in deck chairs inside a van next to three suspicious new boilers. 

The van had been spotted by an eagle-eyed member of the public cruising around St Nicholas Park in Nuneaton. 

In advance of our activities, we welcomed a vehicle security expert to provide advice on the technology behind motor vehicle theft.

In addition, we’ve been handing out car security advice, and 1,000 Faraday pouches for keyless vehicles have been lined up for distribution.

Supt. Helen Waite for Crime Prevention said “In the last twelve months, we’ve been pleased to see a just-over 14% decrease in vehicle offences compared to the previous year – a testament to the hard work of our officers across the county. 

“Operations like this are a great chance for us to refresh our links with local partners and enact solid disruptions of organised crime gangs, who often operate over county borders.”

If you spot something that doesn’t feel right, make a report on 101 and let us know – in an emergency, always call 999. 

You can also give us an anonymous tip-off through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.