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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. Operation GOREALM Delivers Major Success Against Organised Vehicle Crime.
Operation GOREALM is a proactive investigation launched in September 2025 in response to a significant rise in high-value keyless vehicle thefts across the South West Borough.
What began as a concerning increase in thefts of Porsche, BMW and Mercedes vehicles quickly developed into a complex investigation targeting an organised Lithuanian crime group believed to be responsible for stealing around £750,000 worth of vehicles in South West London alone.
The operation was Led by the South West proactive team and consisted of months of detailed research, intelligence development and proactive work which built a comprehensive picture of the offending. Working closely with the Organised Vehicle Crime Unit (OVCU), neighbouring Boroughs and other policing partners, the team identified suspects, linked offences across force areas and uncovered evidence of stolen vehicles being moved and dismantled for export.
The operation culminated on 21 August 2026, when four Warrants were executed across London, Peterborough and the West Midlands. Four key suspects were arrested, and officers recovered a wealth of evidence, including cloned vehicles, specialist vehicle theft equipment, mobile phones and other items linking the group to the conspiracy.
Following extensive post-arrest work, all four suspects were charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles between July 2025 and August 2026.
This is a fantastic example of a true "cradle to grave" investigation and showcases the determination, professionalism and collaboration of teams across South West and the wider MPS.
The operation represents a significant disruption to organised vehicle crime to help make our communities safer.
 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. | 
