Major Police Operation Targets Criminals on the Move in Essex
Joint Forces Crack Down on Crime in Harlow and Epping Forest
Operation Claymore, led by Essex Police and backed by officers from the Metropolitan and Hertfordshire forces, is on the hunt for criminals using the road network. The cross-force team tracks suspect vehicles via automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, focusing on hotspots around Harlow and Epping Forest.
All Hands on Deck to Nab Offenders
Specialist teams from Dog, Roads, Raptor, and Community Policing units joined forces, along with support from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU). The crackdown led to multiple arrests for crimes including drug possession with intent to supply, offensive weapons possession, criminal damage, drug driving, and drink driving.
- Two vehicles seized, including one stolen out of county shortly before the operation
- 33 stop-and-searches conducted on the night
- 23 intelligence reports filed
- 6th joint Operation Claymore effort, with 50 arrests made so far
PC Ross Ashcroft: ‘Making Life Tough for Criminal Gangs’
“We are targeting organised criminal gangs who use the roads to commit burglary, theft, and supply drugs,” said PC Ross Ashcroft, the operation’s coordinator.
“These criminals cross county lines to carry out their offences. We aim to stop them in their tracks by sharing intelligence and working closely across forces.
“By actively pursuing vehicles linked to crime, we’re creating a hostile environment for offenders and sending a strong deterrent message.”
