Police have confirmed that arrests have been made in an operation tackling catalytic converter thefts.
A total of 11 men have been arrested over a two day period, police confirmed.
Posting on Facebook, Hillingdon Police said: “11 men have been arrested in total by West Area Command officers following a proactive operation, tackling catalytic converter thefts across the West Area of London.
“Operation Sandcat was conducted over a two day period (12th and 13th January) and involved a number of officers, including West Area Command Unit local officers, West Area Crime Squad, Met Interceptors and the Met’s Dogs Unit.
“Officers engaged in a variety of activities, involving patrols in hotspot areas and targeted intelligence-led work.
“On Thursday, 13th January 2022 at approximately 1800hrs, a suspect vehicle, notably a BMW, was sighted in Greenford, West London. The vehicle failed to stop for the officers, which activated a pursuit.
“The occupants of the vehicle decamped from the vehicle in Wakeling Lane, Wembley.
With the assistance of the National Police Air Service and the Met’s Dog units, five men were arrested.
”It was established that the vehicle has been stolen. A subsequent search proved fruitful as the vehicle had blue lights in the front of the dash used to imitate police. Tools and multiple catalytic convertors, believed to be stolen from victim’s vehicles, were found.
“All of the suspects were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, theft, aggravated vehicle taking, impersonating a police officer, going equipped to steal and failing to stop for police.”
Inspector Owens, West Area Command said: “This crime type is a problem for the community. We are extremely pleased with the result of our operation.”
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