Thames Valley Police make 23 arrests in cross border operation

Thames Valley Police took part in a cross border operation with four forces last week, making 23 arrests.

During the three-day operation, more than 140 arrests were made for offences involving burglary, robbery, theft of motor vehicles and drug offences.

Officers from Hertfordshire, the Metropolitan Police, Surrey, Thames Valley and British Transport Police were involved in the operation, which ran between April 26 and April 28.

It was carried out to target those who cause the most harm to local communities through drug, violent and acquisitive crime.

It utilised Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology and police intelligence to target vehicles on arterial roads and motorways, as well as those using the railway network.

Additionally, 37 vehicles were seized, 16 weapons were recovered and 48 drug seizures were made.

More than £14,500 in cash was also recovered by police.

A number of enquiries are continuing.

Hertfordshire Constabulary detective chief inspector Frankie Westoby said: “This operation is a great example of the successes that partnership working can bring.

"We had some fantastic results over the course of the three days and I’d like to thank everyone involved."

He added: “We’re absolutely committed to doing everything we can to keep local communities safe and to make life hostile for those who cause harm, often targetting the most vulnerable members of society.

“I hope this sends a message to those who travel to commit crime that we will utilise everything at our disposal and work with our policing colleagues to catch up with you.

“If you have any information about those involved in criminality, please report it to police. Your calls really do make a difference as they enable us to build up the intelligence picture we need to take robust action.

"You can also report information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers if you’d prefer.”