Detectives have raided ten homes throughout London, Essex and Hertfordshire as a part of an investigation into the theft of 70 excessive worth vehicles.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police arrested six males and three girls after 10 homes throughout the three counties had been searched within the the early hours of Wednesday morning (March 17).
The operation was a transfer in opposition to a community which investigators imagine is behind the theft of a minimum of 70 high-value automobiles price greater than £1.5 million in complete, most being Range Rovers.
It’s claimed that the gang used scanners to repeat the sign from the house owners’ keyless fobs as the posh automobiles had been parked on driveways.
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The thieves then fitted false plates to the vehicles or in any other case modified their identification earlier than promoting them on.
The 9 individuals arrested stay in custody in an east London police station.
Detective Constable Tom Jenkins mentioned: “We have listened to what the general public have informed us and we perceive that the theft of a automobile, particularly from your personal driveway, is extraordinarily distressing and an space of policing that the neighborhood need us to give attention to.
“For many months, we have now been working tirelessly behind the scenes to construct proof in opposition to the Organised Crime Group we imagine to be liable for the theft and fraudulent resale of a minimum of 70 high-value automobiles to allow us to make our arrests.
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“I hope this reveals the neighborhood that we take this crime sort very critically, and we are going to do all the pieces in our energy to convey these accountable to justice.
“I’d remind individuals with digital car keys to maintain them away from doorways and in a sign blocking pouch when not in use to stop thieves scanning it to open and steal your car close by.”
He additionally warned car consumers to verify paperwork earlier than committing to a sale.
“If you purchase a stolen car, not solely wouldn’t it lead to you dropping your cash and having no car, however you would be arrested for dealing with stolen items,” DC Jenkins mentioned.
“When shopping for a automobile, all the time verify the DVLA V5 doc and ensure the Vehicle Identification Number on the automobile is identical as on the doc.”
