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I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. A huge shout-out to the Met's Specialist Traffic unit based at Chadwell Heath for taking a dangerous criminal off the road after a dramatic pursuit through Ilford.
The Chase: Wrong Way on the A12
The action kicked off at Redbridge Roundabout when officers attempted to stop a suspected cloned Mitsubishi Outlander. The driver immediately showed his intent by bolting onto the A12... travelling the WRONG WAY at high speed!
Undeterred, the police driver expertly handling one of the new Audi Q6 E-Trons, stayed on the correct side of the carriageway, eventually catching up on Beehive Lane (IG1).
A complex backstreet pursuit through Redbridge brought them back onto the A12 via The Drive (IG1). But desperate to escape the relentless Audi, the suspect pulled the same stunt again—taking to the wrong side of the A12 towards Gants Hill. Due to the extreme danger to the public, the pursuit was momentarily terminated.
Arrest and Evidence:
Not done yet, our specialist Traffic unit immediately launched an area search with other officers who were on a planned operation in the local area. A Met Police Dog handler located the abandoned Outlander and began tracking the driver (with their dog).
The suspect's plan fell apart swiftly! While driving down Rochester Gardens (IG1), one of the Traffic officer's spotted the driver walking calmly on the path. With a positive identification made, the officer leaped from the car to effect the arrest!
Further searches by the Dog handler and dog recovered the Outlander key and a bag of Herbal Cannabis discarded in a nearby bush.
🔒 Locked Up: The Charges:
The vehicle was confirmed to be stolen and displaying cloned plates. Thanks to the investigation team who confirmed this. The driver was arrested for a litany of offences including:
• Agg TDA (Aggravated Taking Drove Away)
• Failing to Stop for Police
• Dangerous Driving
• Possession of Cannabis
• Driving Whilst Disqualified & No Insurance
• Possession of Criminal Property
• Failing to provide
Due to the evidence put before the courts, this individual pleaded guilty. He was on prison license and was recalled to prison, where he will reside for the next 2 years.
A fantastic result with officers from our Met Police colleagues denying criminals the use of the road. That's how it's done! 👏
 We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe: Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door. If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space. Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme. Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others.
If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
