Five arrests in Harlow and Epping Forest crime crackdown

A joint operation, known as Operation Claymore, was led by Essex Police who targeted vehicles in West Essex and particularly around Epping Forest and Harlow.

The force, alongside Hertfordshire and Metropolitan Police, recently arrested five people for offences including drug driving, failing to attend court, and failing to stop for police officers.

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A vehicle that failed to stop was seized after being abandoned by its driver. He was arrested the following day after handing himself in.

PC Ross Ashcroft said: “The aim of Claymore is to use ANPR and our existing intelligence to target those committing burglary, theft of motor vehicles and violent offences.

“Organised crime groups are using the road network to operate across Essex, London and Herts. We want to prevent them from crossing the borders and committing those offences. There is a pattern so that is why we’re focussing on it.”

The Epping Forest Guardian understands that the majority of arrests made during operations Claymore have been linked to burglary, theft of motor vehicles and violent offences.

Officers search a vehicle in Harlow (Image: Essex Police)

This includes some arrests initially made on suspicion of another crime such as failing to attend court or failing to stop for police officers.

The cross-force team also conducted 13 stop and searches and responded to automatic number plate recognition hits from vehicles believed to be involved in criminal activity with support from dog, traffic, firearms, disruptor, and community policing teams.

PC Ashcroft added: “Getting different forces and teams to work together and share intelligence about the people and groups committing high harm crime is invaluable.

“This was the fifth Claymore operation. We’re pushing 50 arrests and have had some excellent results so it’s definitely making an impact.”

An officer marks the number plate of a legal vehicle whose registration has been cloned, A vehicle that failed to stop for officers is seized (Image: Essex Police)

In November last year, another Claymore operation led to 12 arrests in a single evening on suspicion of crimes including burglary, drug supply, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of an offensive weapon.

Police also seized seven vehicles including a car containing drugs and a knuckleduster.