Hertfordshire’s Special Constabulary joins neighbouring forces for cross-border operation

Members of the Hertfordshire Special Constabulary conducted a cross-border operation with Special Constabulary colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service, Surrey Police and Thames Valley Police at the weekend.

The operation, carried out on Saturday (30 November), was focussed on denying criminals the use of the road network and targeting County Lines, Modern Slavery/Human Trafficking, and the Fatal 5 driving offences (speeding, distraction, careless driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, and drink/drug driving).

The day’s efforts demonstrated the power of collaboration in tackling criminal activity and enhancing road safety. This operation was arranged and executed entirely by Special Constables.

Across two stop sites, located in Denham, Uxbridge and Feltham, London, a number of vehicles were stopped for various roadside checks.

The stops resulted in the following:

• Two arrested for immigration offences.
• Two arrests for drug driving.
• One arrested for possession with the intention to supply – class B drugs.
• Four vehicles seized under Section 165 for no insurance.
• Three speeding enforcement tickets issued.
• One ticket for illegal number plates.
• One ticket for driving otherwise in accordance with a driving licence.

Later in the evening the operation shifted focus to mobile patrols in burglary hotspot areas. Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police responded to a commercial burglary in Little Chalfont, where they identified a suspicious vehicle leaving the area which resulted in the arrest of three individuals, who have now been charged.

Special Sergeant Alex Whittle from the Hertfordshire Special Constabulary Operational Support Team said: “This joint effort between Hertfordshire Constabulary, Metropolitan Police Service, Surrey Police, and Thames Valley Police showcases the effectiveness of coordinated cross-border operations in tackling both road-related offences and wider criminality.

“We hope this sends the message out to those who commit offences that policing has no borders and despite being separate forces, we will work together to achieve our goal of tackling criminality across our areas.

“I’d like to thank all of the Special Constables who volunteered their time to make this operation a success. There are already further operations in the pipeline.”