IN a display of “determination and teamwork”, officers successfully recovered three stolen vehicles within 60 minutes of being notified of a stolen vehicle on the move in west Essex.
The operation began when officers were alerted to a recently stolen Toyota Hilux being driven in Essex shortly after 7pm on Thursday 13 November.
Working closely with colleagues in Kent Police and supported by the National Police Air Service (NPAS), the roads policing team quickly narrowed the search area to a business park near Tilbury Port.
Upon gaining entry to the gated car park, officers discovered three stolen pick-ups in near-perfect condition. These included the moving stolen vehicle from Hertfordshire and two others taken in previous days from Kent and Sussex.
While securing the scene, officers noticed suspicious movement through a garage door window. Acting swiftly, they entered the premises and uncovered a chop shop operation. Inside, four suspects were found hiding behind a forklift, alongside multiple sets of registration plates, keys and phones.
In total, seven people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal vehicles, theft of vehicles and handling stolen goods.
Superintendent Phil Stinger said: “This rapid and coordinated response highlights the commitment of officers to disrupt organised vehicle theft and protect communities.”
Five men aged 24, 27, 47, 49 and 61 and two teenage boys have been released on bail until mid-January 2026 while the investigation continues.
