Operation Huntsman: Police Crackdown on Car Crime Across Borders
Police made big moves in the fight against motor crime with Operation Huntsman, a major cross-border sting involving the Met and Kent Police. Using high-tech ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition), officers tracked and stopped offenders, seizing 15 vehicles and reporting 16 traffic offences in one sweep.
Stolen Cars, Weapons, and Heavy Arrests
Arrests targeted a range of crimes: robbery, car theft, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, dangerous driving, and failing to stop for police. Among the stolen rides recovered were a flashy BMW, a Jaguar, and a delivery van full of parcels. Officers also found multiple weapons, including knives, a baseball bat, and a stun gun.
Rising Car Crime Sparks New Police Unit
The hunt built on work by the Met’s South East Command Unit’s new motor vehicle crime team, launched after residents in Bexley, Greenwich, and Lewisham raised concerns. More than half of local ward panels had flagged vehicle crime as a top priority amid a surge in high-value keyless car thefts and catalytic converter heists.
- Last year saw 2,608 vehicle thefts across these areas.
- Nearly 300 vehicles of one model were stolen in just nine months across Greenwich, Lewisham, Bromley, Dartford, and Sevenoaks.
- Of 4,606 thefts from vehicles, 18% involved catalytic converters.
Many of these thefts involved violent gangs armed with bats, iron bars, machetes, and BB guns. Stolen cars are often used for further crimes or sold on for parts.
Police Successes and What’s Next
Over the past year, officers gathered intel on gangs and individuals, targeting criminals crossing borders to commit offences. One highlight from February included recovering a pistol, silencer, and ammunition linked to a high-value car theft in Bexley.
Chief Inspector Russ Joao, South East Command Unit: “We’ve listened to our communities. The rise in motor vehicle crime has hit residents hard. This past year, we’ve taken big steps to fight back. Operation Huntsman was a clear success, working closely with Kent Police to hit offenders hard. But our work isn’t over. More operations and crime prevention plans like catalytic converter marking events are coming.”
Operation Huntsman took place on 28–29 September and involved Met local policing teams, Roads and Transport Policing Command, Violence Suppression Unit, ANPR interceptor teams, the National Police Air Service, and Kent’s Swanley Community Policing Team. Local ward panel chairs from Sidcup, St Mary, and St James also observed to keep communities informed.
The operation focused on areas between the A2 and A20 roads, including Bexley Village North, Crayford, Slade Green, and Erith. Of those arrested, two face charges while others are released under investigation or bailed pending inquiries.
How You Can Protect Your Ride
- Always lock your car—look for folded wing mirrors as a sign.
- Take all valuables with you.
- Invest in steering wheel locks, pedal locks, immobilisers, or tracking devices.
- Use key fob protectors (Faraday bags) to block keyless theft attempts.
- Consider installing driveway posts to block access.
- For more crime prevention tips visit Secured by Design.
Police are doubling down on what they call ‘precise community crime fighting’, working hand-in-hand with locals to tackle the crime that matters most.
