‘Policing-A Job Like No Other’-Reporter Joins Havering Police On A Ride-A-Long.

Last week our reporter Ross had the opportunity to join Havering police on a ride-along.

Ross joined officers from Havering Joint Task Force who have an outstanding record of success, as they undertook a two day operation tackling car theft, and burglary across the borough.

Ross writes: I had the opportunity to join officers on the second night of Operation Surge, a two-day operation focused on burglary and car theft. I joined Special Constable Dan, and PC Nick, who were my guides for the evening.

We hadn’t been on the road for more than two minutes before officers spotted a van pulling out of a pub car park. Dan and Nick decided to pull the driver over for a routine check. After speaking with the driver, they discovered that he had lost his license before for drunk driving. However, after waiting 20 minutes, as is required after one’s last alcoholic drink, the result came back negative.

Next, we headed to Harold Hill, where we continued to scout the area, looking down back roads that are known spots for temporary parking of stolen vehicles.

Suddenly, a car sped past us, and Dan quickly pulled up the car’s registration on his system. The driver was known for carrying a knife and had been arrested previously for drug possession. Officers pulled the driver over and placed him in handcuffs due to his history of weapons possession. The car was searched after a strong smell of cannabis was detected, but nothing was found. The driver was let go.

It wasn’t long before officers pulled over another car driving at speed. Inside were two youths, and again, there was a strong smell of cannabis coming from the car.

Suddenly, a call came over the radio reporting a man with a knife in Romford. We jumped in the car and headed to Romford Town Centre, where two youths had been apprehended. It turned out that one of the youths had been arrested two weeks ago in Romford for carrying a Samurai sword and drugs. The other teenager was banned from Romford Town Centre after another incident a few weeks back. Other officers took control of the scene while we hit the road again back to Harold Hill.

On the A127, we were undertaken by a speeding car. Nick put on the emergency lights and pulled the driver over. The driver had also installed number plates that did not conform to regulations, and he was charged with both offenses.

We finished off the night by heading towards Romford Town, where a car was spotted traveling at speed. The driver was pulled over and found to have no license or insurance, and both the driver and car were searched.

All in all, it was a hectic night for Dan, Nick, and myself. We had seen the full range of activities that can occur during Operation Surge, from routine checks to apprehending criminals with weapons. It was an eye-opening experience, and I was grateful to have witnessed the dedication and hard work of these officers first hand.

Operation Surge took place over two consecutive nights and gave the following results.:

3 arrested.
One male adult possession with intent to supply class A drugs
One male adult stopped was wanted for failing to appear at court for weapons offences
One male adult arrested following a short vehicle pursuit whereby he was arrested for driving otherwise in accordance with a licence, no insurance and possession of class A drugs.
All three were charged and remanded and will appear in court.

5 vehicles seized after their respective drivers were reported for no licence/insurance

6 drivers processed for driving offences

4 stolen vehicles recovered

19 vehicles of interest intercepted following intelligence led information/ANPR activations.

Well done to Sergeant Ben Tanner and officers from Havering Joint Task Force who do an outstanding job our streets and provide excellent results.

Policing really is a job like no other.

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