Wiltshire Police have increased patrols across the county’s main roads as part of a national operation to disrupt organised vehicle theft and catch offenders using local routes.
The week-long initiative, called Operation Alliance, ran from 13th to 19th October and saw officers from the Roads Policing Unit and Local Police Tasking Team targeting suspicious vehicles on Wiltshire’s road network.
During the operation, officers pursued a stolen car being driven at high speed through Swindon. A man in his 20's was arrested on suspicion of multiple offences including failing to stop, dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, drug driving, criminal damage and aggravated vehicle taking. The vehicle has since been recovered.
Neighbourhood officers also worked with residents who may be more at risk of having their vehicles stolen, handing out 20 specialist forensic DNA marking kits to help deter criminals and identify stolen vehicles.
Meanwhile, four officers from the force’s Forensic Collisions Investigation Unit received specialist training as Stolen Vehicle Examiners, giving them enhanced skills to identify vehicles and provide expert evidence to support prosecutions.
Detective Inspector Steve Edwards, who led the operation in Wiltshire, said: “We recognise how significant vehicle crime can be for our communities - from the disruption to people’s livelihoods to making them feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.
“My message is simple: please report any suspicious activity to the police. This could include people acting oddly around parked vehicles, or locations where stolen cars or parts might be stored. If something doesn’t feel right, let us know.”
Since January, 345 vehicle thefts have been reported across Wiltshire. Nationally, almost half of all vehicles stolen last year had been left unlocked.
DI Edwards added: “We encourage everyone to lock their vehicles whenever they’re left unattended. For keyless cars, consider keeping your keys in an RFID blocking pouch to prevent relay theft.”
Advice on vehicle security and approved products can be found on the Secured by Design website.
Operation Alliance was carried out alongside other UK police forces and agencies including the National Crime Agency, Border Force and Port Authorities.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity can report it online via wiltshire.police.uk, at a police enquiry office, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Credit @wiltsspecops
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