DAY 14 and 15: Multi-agency ANPR operation to tackle metal thefts in Maidenhead

The aim of this operation using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras was to disrupt and prevent crime in the rural area by pulling over vehicles of interest, or those which have been highlighted as ‘used in crime’ previously.

Although the team were specifically on the lookout for vehicles which could be linked with rural crime and in particular, metal thefts (metal theft is often linked to rural crime as stolen agricultural machinery and tools can be sold on illegally as scrap metal), other offences and the offenders are caught during these operations because obviously, you never know who is going to be driving past!

The ‘multi-agency’ bit of the operation came in the form of support from VOSA (with the Environment Agency and Datatag helping out on Day 15). VOSA are able to use specific ‘civil’ powers such as prohibition orders which are used to get dangerous cars and vehicles off the road and keep them off if until they conform to the legal MOT standards.

During the operation, the police team pulled over a car for no insurance which was then seized under Section 165. As VOSA were there too, they carried out checks and were able to put a prohibition order onto the vehicle for two bald tyres and a frayed seatbelt. This means the driver can’t simply drive away an un-roadworthy vehicle once insurance has been sorted out under the Police order.



Car being seized for no insurance and at the same time was put on a prohibition order for being un-roadworthy



The team also pulled over larger, commercial vehicles like Transit vans and flat bed trucks or others which are often used to steal larger farm tools or ferry stolen scrap metal from one place to another. The team set up on the A4 and throughout the day pulled over 18 of these types of vehicles and all appeared to be in order!



Police officer and VOSA making sure all is in order with a flat bed truck









Meanwhile in West Berkshire...

While the 100 days of action excitement continues in Chiltern and South Bucks, officers in West Berkshire have arrested and charged a man with criminal damage to property valued under £5000, possession of an air rifle when prohibited and receiving stolen goods.

The arrest came during a warrant which was executed yesterday (5/8) at 9.35am in Manor Lane in Oare, Hermitage, under section 26 of the Theft Act. During the warrant, several items were recovered including a carpet cleaner, a metal deer statue and power tools which are all believed to be stolen. 10 air rifles and four vehicles have also been seized.

The man in question, 38-year-old Stephen Banham of Manor Lane, Oare, Hermitage appeared at Reading Magistrates Court this morning (6/8) and has been remanded until the 19 August.

Supt Robin Rickard, LPA Commander for West Berkshire, had this to say about yesterday’s operation: “Significant police resources were deployed yesterday to conduct this warrant and I know that this would have caused some disruption and concern to the local community.

“I would like to reassure people living and working in the community that this is part of our effort to tackle rural crime and carrying out activity, such as executing search warrants, is an important tactic in reducing rural crime”