Met and Kent Police Crack Down on Vehicle Crime in Cross-Border Blitz
Operation Huntsman smashed a wave of motor crime in a major cross-border swoop. Officers from the Met and Kent Police used state-of-the-art ANPR tech to hunt down offenders. The haul? 15 seized vehicles, 16 traffic offence reports, and a string of arrests.
Stolen Cars, Weapons and More Seized
The suspects face charges for robbery, vehicle theft, possession with intent to supply class A drugs, dangerous driving, and failing to stop for police. Stolen cars recovered included a BMW, a Jaguar, and a parcel-loaded delivery van. Officers also found weapons such as knives, a baseball bat, and a stun gun on the streets.
Operation Builds on Year-Long Crackdown Against Motor Crime
This latest push follows a year of hard graft by the Met’s South East Command Unit’s new motor vehicle crime squad. The move came after residents in Bexley, Greenwich, and Lewisham flagged soaring vehicle theft as a major concern. Over 2,600 vehicle thefts were reported last year in these areas, with catalytic converter thefts rising sharply.
“The rise in motor vehicle crime has had a big impact on the lives of many of our residents and we’ve taken significant action over the last 12 months,” said Chief Inspector Russ Joao. “Operation Huntsman brought Kent and Met Police together for some great results.”
Dangerous Criminals and Gangs Targeted
Many offenders used weapons like bats, iron bars, machetes, and even BB guns. Cars were stolen to be stripped for parts or used in further crimes. Officers followed leads on organised crime gangs using local roads to carry out violent offences.
One big win came last February, when a stolen high-value car in Bexley led to the recovery of a pistol, silencer, and ammunition.
How to Protect Your Vehicle
- Always lock your car — look for folded wing mirrors to confirm.
- Take valuables with you.
- Invest in steering wheel and pedal locks, immobilisers, and tracking devices.
- Use key fob protectors (Faraday bags) to combat keyless theft.
- Consider installing driveway posts.
- Visit Secured by Design for more advice.
Operation Huntsman involved multiple policing teams, including ANPR Interceptors, the National Police Air Service, and Kent’s Swanley Community Police. The operation focused south of the A2 stretching from Bexley Village to Erith and Slade Green. While some suspects were charged, others remain under investigation.
Chief Inspector Joao promised more operations and community crime-fighting initiatives to keep vehicle theft in check. “We’re investing in precise community crime fighting — involving communities in tackling issues that matter most,” he added.
