Operation targeting criminality in East Herts and West Essex

One person was arrested and three vehicles were seized during an operation to target criminals operating on the East Herts and West Essex border.

The Bishop’s Stortford Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) joined forces with colleagues from Essex Police for the operation on Thursday night (26 June), aimed at identifying those using the road network to commit offences such as burglary, vehicle and drug crime.

Proactive patrols were conducted, both in marked and unmarked cars, numerous vehicles were stopped and searches were carried out.

During the operation:

• One person was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, driving otherwise than in accordance with licence, failing to provide specimen of breath and driving with no insurance. Suspect was subsequently charged by Essex Police.

• Eight stop searches were conducted, resulting in one person being given a community resolution for cannabis possession.

• Further investigations are being carried out into a possession with intent to supply Class B drugs offence.

• Four Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were issued for minor road traffic offences.

• Three vehicles were seized for having no insurance.

• A motorbike failed to stop and enquiries are in hand with Essex Police to identify the rider.

• A safeguarding referral was completed relating to concerns for two children.

Andy Crow, Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant for Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth, said: “These operations are regularly carried out to detect and deter those who travel across borders to commit crime. Working with colleagues from neighbouring forces allows us to share intelligence and identify those who may be a risk. This work will continue to help disrupt those who cause misery and fear among our local communities.

“I hope it serves as a warning to criminals that we are out there, making stops and gathering intelligence.”