The Havering Joint Task Force (HJTF) has made 17 arrests and recovered six stolen vehicles in a two-night blitz against cross-border criminals operating around Havering, working alongside Essex Police and the Dog Section.
The operation, which utilised ANPR technology and aerial support from NPAS, led to arrests for a range of serious offences including vehicle theft, handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, drug driving, burglary and bail breaches.
“HJTF work under the Safer Neighbourhoods umbrella and are supported by local authority funding to focus on acquisitive crime across Havering,” said Inspector Mark Connolly,
“This is just a snapshot of their hard work for the community every week. With darker evenings approaching, please ensure your homes and vehicles are secure and valuables are not visible. I’d encourage residents to visit www.metengage.co.uk and always call 101 or 999 in an emergency.”
Major Arrests and Recoveries
The crackdown saw officers targeting known offenders travelling into Havering from neighbouring counties.
Over the two nights, police arrested 17 suspects and recovered six stolen vehicles (LOS) linked to thefts across East London and Essex.
Key Arrests Include:
- Vehicle Theft, Handling Stolen Goods, Dangerous Driving, Breach of Crown Court Bail – Officers spotted a cloned Toyota Avensis on false plates, linked to recent Toyota Hilux thefts in Hornchurch. The car failed to stop in heavy rain, leading to a pursuit and crash near Ilford Lane. NPAS tracked the driver, who was arrested and charged with multiple offences. The Avensis was stolen from Stratford two weeks earlier.
- Vehicle Theft, Going Equipped, FTA Agg TDA & Handling Stolen Goods (HSG) – A male previously arrested by HJTF after a summer pursuit in Hornchurch was found guilty in his absence at Romford Magistrates. He was tracked again this week after failing to attend court, arrested in Wickford by Essex officers after being caught breaking into vans. The vehicle he was driving was stolen from Burnham, Essex. Likely custodial sentence to follow.
- Handling Stolen Goods & Theft of Motor Vehicle – Two suspects previously arrested in Harold Hill driving a cloned Ford Puma were traced again by HJTF and the Cross Border Investigation Team. Using ANPR, officers tracked their movements between East London and Essex. The pair were arrested in Millenium Way near the A13 with false plates and blank car keys inside the vehicle. Both now in custody, with Essex Police leading the investigation.
- Fail to Appear & Residential Burglary (Millennium Estate) – HJTF tracked a wanted Havering offender to an address in Tilbury. He was arrested by PC Williams for burglary and theft offences and taken to Grays Custody for Brentwood CID to progress.
- Drug Driving (Section 5a) – A prolific Collier Row offender recently released from prison for robbery was stopped by Essex Road Crime Team after HJTF circulated his vehicle. He failed a roadside drug wipe and was arrested.
Essex Arrests (No HJTF Involvement)
Essex Police made additional arrests as part of the joint operation:
- Drug Driving, No Insurance, Dangerous Driving, Drink Driving – Multiple suspects arrested following pursuits and tactical stops.
- PWITS Class A Drugs – Vehicle stopped, large quantities of drugs found, both occupants arrested.
- Obstruct Constable & Assault Emergency Worker – Driver arrested after assaulting officers during vehicle removal.
- Fuel Theft & Drink Driving – Vehicle linked to multiple fuel thefts stopped, driver arrested.
- FTA Warrants x2 – Passenger arrested after being identified as wanted for two court warrants.
Operation Impact
In total, the two-night operation resulted in:
- 17 arrests
- 6 stolen vehicles recovered
- Multiple dangerous pursuits resolved
- Cross-border offenders removed from the roads
The operation highlights the close partnership between the HJTF, Essex Police, NPAS, and local authorities, targeting offenders who use Havering’s borders to commit crime.
“We continue to target motor vehicle and burglary offenders coming into Havering, working with our partners and county forces,” added Inspector Connolly.
“This latest work shows how intelligence sharing and determination can make a real difference for
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