A NEW police team has made 13 arrests in recent days in south Warwickshire.
The arrests by the Proactive Vehicle Crime Team, based at Greys Mallory near Warwick, have related to offences including vehicle thefts, possession/supply of drugs and locating wanted people.
The team’s primary focus is vehicle crime but also includes focusing on criminals who may be using the county’s road network to commit crime, including drug dealing.
The arrests included:
· A suspected drugs transaction in Leamington. A 19-year-old man from the town’s Sydenham area was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs.
· A 17-year-old boy from West Bromwich was searched in Stratford. Officers recovered what was believed to be crack cocaine and heroin, as well as cash and a phone. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, and has been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.
· Two men from Leamington were arrested in connection with theft from motor vehicles. One has since been charged with seven offences and is on remand.
· A suspected stolen vehicle was stopped by the team on the A46 near the M40. Two men were detained, and enquiries continue.
· A man in his 30s was seen by the team acting suspiciously on the canal towpath in Stratford. A quantity of suspected class A drugs, cash, a phone and a push bike were seized he was arrested for possession with intent to supply and theft. He has been released under investigation.
Sgt Dave McManus, who is heading up the team at Greys Mallory, said: “We know the despair and distress that vehicle crime can have on victims. Whether its tools taken from a commercial van or a family’s car stolen from the driveway, these offences can have far-reaching financial and personal implications.
“Unfortunately, drug dealing can sometimes have links to vehicle crime – it may be criminals stealing vehicles to use as transport or even to sell for parts to generate cash. However, these aren’t the only negative implications of illegal drugs in our communities, which is why we need to keep pursuing those responsible.
“As a force, we are determined to keep our county safe and to tackle these offences, and we hope the new team will be another positive step towards this commitment.”
