160 people arrested during extensive cross-border operation

One hundred and sixty people have been arrested during an extensive, three-day police operation to target cross border offending.

The operation, which ran between July 11-13, involved officers from across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Metropolitan Police, Northamptonshire, Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley, BTP and Warwickshire.

The aim of the operation was to target those who cause the most harm to local communities through drug, violent and acquisitive crime, and 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.

Across the three days, 160 people were arrested for a wide range of offences including robbery, burglary, theft of motor vehicles, possession of offensive weapons, grievous bodily harm, breach of court orders and drug offences.

A further 83 vehicles were also seized, 22 weapons were recovered and 74 drug seizures were made.

More than £262,000 in cash was also recovered by officers, while a number of enquiries remain ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector David Skarratts, from Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: “This extensive and meticulous operation highlights the success that partnership working can bring, and I’m grateful to everyone involved for their tireless work across the three days.

“As a result of their endeavours, we have had some fantastic results, and I believe this shows our commitment to doing everything we can to keep local communities safe and to make life hostile for those who cause harm, often targeting the most vulnerable members of society.

“We wanted to deliver a clear 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. There is no place for this type of criminality in Hertfordshire and our fellow counties.

“If you have any information about those involved in criminality, please report it to police. Your calls 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.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form (opens in new window).