Local News

Surrey Police has dismantled an organised crime group that cloned and sold 50 high value vehicles, totalling over £1 million. An extensive investigation led by our Serious and Organised Crime Unit identified four men who had orchestrated a highly organised scheme to clone stolen vehicles, disguising their crimes through the use of fraudulent documentation and selling the cars on to the motor trade. Phones seized from the group showed extensive messages listing different vehicle models and prices along with photos of index plates, V5C documents and stolen vehicles parked within a workshop.

The crime group consisted of:

Ali Abbas, 31 (DOB 20/04/1994) of Rose Avenue, Mitcham

Abdirahman Ismail, 34 (DOB 17/10/1991), of Lancastrian Road, Wallington

Rizwan Javid, 41 (DOB 10/08/1984), of Salcombe Drive, Chadwell Heath,

Hussain Kapadia, 34 (DOB 04/08/1991), of Auckland Road, Ilford

All four pleaded guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen goods, conspiracy to commit fraud and conspiracy to transfer criminal property. Abbas and Ismail also pleaded guilty to drug supply and possession or control of identity documents with intent. In total, they received a combined sentence of over 10 years behind bars.

A man has been charged following two thefts from shops in Hersham and Walton-on-Thames. Joshua Rutter, 28 (DOB: 18/09/1997), of Walton-on-Thames, was charged with two counts of shoplifting on Friday, 28 November. The charges relate to a theft from Next in Walton-on-Thames on Tuesday, 25 November, and a theft from Waitrose in Hersham on Monday, 24 November. He has been released on bail to appear at Staines Magistrates Court on Friday, 12 December. PC Hodgkins from our Elmbridge Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "We continue to work closely with retailers to reduce shoplifting across our Borough. "Swift reporting and collaboration remain key to tackling this type of offence and helps us build an intelligence picture of what is happening where.

Rogue traders are criminals who often target older or vulnerable people, taking money for poor quality or fake work.

Here’s how to protect yourself from them:

Don’t engage with unexpected doorstep callers

Get at least 3 quotes before agreeing to work

Check the trader is properly registered

Never pay at the door or visit a cash machine for them

Remember, even if you sign a contract, you are legally entitled to a 14 day cancellation period

If you see it, report it:

Citizens Advice: 0808 223 1133

Police via 101 for a non emergency, in an emergency call 999