Essex Police Lead Blitz on Crime with Cross-Force Operation Claymore
Multi-Force Team Targets Crime Hotspots
Operation Claymore, spearheaded by Essex Police, joined forces with officers from the Metropolitan and Hertfordshire police. Their mission? Hunt down vehicles linked to crime across Harlow, Epping Forest, and nearby areas using cutting-edge ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology.
Specialist Teams Back Up The Crackdown
The operation was bolstered by elite units, including Dog, Roads, Raptor, and Community Policing teams, alongside the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU). Together, they left no stone unturned in the fight against crime.
Criminals Brought to Justice
- Several men were arrested for offences such as possession of drugs with intent to supply, offensive weapon possession, criminal damage, drug driving, and drink driving.
- Two vehicles were seized – one reported stolen from another county just days before.
- The night saw 33 stop-and-searches and 23 intelligence reports filed.
Operation Claymore Delivers Results
This marks the sixth joint operation by the three forces. To date, the campaign has led to 50 arrests.
PC Ross Ashcroft, who coordinated the operation, said: “We are targeting organised criminal gangs using the road network to commit burglary, theft, and drug supply. These criminals move between counties, crossing force borders to carry out crimes.”
“Having multiple forces and specialist teams working together to share intelligence on high-harm offenders is invaluable. By proactively hunting down vehicles linked to crime, we’re creating a hostile environment that acts as a strong deterrent.”
