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I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Havering Joint Taskforce (HJTF) continue their pursuit to bring offenders to justice and recently partnered up with Essex Police Road Crime Teams/Dog Section. The teams targeted some prominent criminals around Havering. During a 2 night operation, the teams arrested 17 individuals. Havering Joint Taskforce also recovered 6 stolen/lost vehicles.
Inspector Mark Connolly from Havering Safer Neighbourhood Team said:
“A busy month of action across Havering targeting motor vehicle crime and burglary. Havering Joint Task Force with partners within the local authority, both Met and Essex Police conducted an intelligence led operation to target offenders. The results are a testament to the dedication of those teams to drive down crime within Havering”
Read on for a summary of some of the incidents.
Arrest: Theft of vehicle, Handling Stolen Goods, Dangerous driving and breach of Crown Court Bail
A man was arrested following failing to stop for police whilst driving a Toyota Avensis which was on false plates. The vehicle eventually crashed near Ilford Lane and with the help of NPAS (police helicopter), the driver was located and arrested. The vehicle was identified as stolen two weeks earlier from the Stratford area. This person was charged for all offences.
Arrest: Theft of vehicle, going equipped, failing to appear, aggravated TDA & handling stolen goods warrant
A man who was wanted by the courts was located by Essex Police.
This person had previously been arrested during the summer by HJTF following a vehicle pursuit and decamp in Hornchurch Town Centre. His vehicle was stolen bearing false plates and contained numerous items of property stolen from unattended vehicles. He was charged and remanded with multiple offences and remanded to court but failed to attend Romford Magistrates last month. Following officers’ evidence, he was found guilty of all offences in his absence.
The teams locate him in the Wickford area with the help of NPAS (police helicopter) and a stolen vehicle he was using.
Arrests: Wanted for Handling Stolen Goods and Theft of Motor Vehicle
A pair arrested back in the summer for handling stolen goods and theft of motor vehicle by Havering Joint Taskforce and now wanted by Essex Police for failing to return on bail were located in a vehicle and stopped by officers. False plates and blank keys were recovered. The pair were arrested.
Arrest - Wanted for failing to appear – man arrested who had been wanted for several months by Essex police for Burglary
Officers travelled to Tilbury to arrest a wanted person for burglary in Essex and failing to appear for theft.
Arrest - Drug driving
A Havering man was arrested for drug driving following his failure to pass a road side drug wipe test when he travelled into Essex.
Other arrests during the operation included
Driving offences
Failing to appear
Theft
Possession With Intent To Supply Class A Drugs
A number of Drink Drive / Drug Drive offences
Obstruct constable & assault emergency worker
 We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe: Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door. If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space. Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme. Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others.
If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
