Special Constabulary Lead Police Operation in Rainham

Dear All, 

I am writing to inform you about a proactive road safety operation, that recently took place in Rainham yesterday Saturday 13th June 2026. Operation Cubo was led by the East Area’s Special Constable’s  (MSC), which I was pleased to attend and support.

Special constables are volunteer police officers who contribute significantly to keeping London safe. By dedicating their free time, they make a meaningful impact on their communities while gaining a strong sense of pride. They hold the same powers and responsibilities as regular police constables and wear the same uniform. The MSC officers who volunteered have day jobs ranging from Director of a NHS trust, to a university student studying politics awaiting their results and a lifelong MSC who has been with us in Havering for over 32 years dedicated service. 

This targeted afternoon operation focused on tackling uninsured drivers and those using our roads illegally—behaviour that puts all road users at risk. I am pleased to share that the operation was a success. Officers stopped 17 vehicles during the deployment, resulting in 3 vehicles being seized under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act for having no insurance. Among those identified was a vehicle being operated by a licensed waste carrier, highlighting that illegal activity can occur across a range of drivers and professions.

These operations are vital in keeping our roads safe. Driving without insurance is not a victimless offence—it increases costs for law-abiding motorists and can leave victims of collisions without proper recourse. 

One particularly interesting observation from the afternoon was how quickly the location of our stop site appeared on the Waze navigation app—within approximately five minutes of officers setting up. While technology can help drivers avoid congestion, it also presents challenges for enforcement by alerting those intent on evading police activity. We continue to adapt our tactics accordingly to ensure we remain effective.

I would like to thank the officers, staff, and volunteers involved for their professionalism and commitment, as well as members of the public for their ongoing support. Your information and engagement help us to identify issues and take action where it matters most.

We will continue to carry out similar operations across Havering to deter offending and protect our communities. If you have concerns about road safety or suspect illegal driving in your area, please report this to us so we can take appropriate action.

Together, we can keep Havering’s roads safe for everyone.

Superintendent Sharon Brind 

Havering Neighbourhoods