Three men arrested in connection with van break in series

We have arrested three people in connection with an investigation into thefts from vans across the county, during which thousands of pounds worth of power tools have been stolen.

At around 11.30pm last night (19/11), we were alerted by Thames Valley Police to a vehicle of interest travelling into the county.

Wiltshire Police officers located the vehicle, a black BMW, on the A345 Swan Road driving towards Pewsey at high speed.

Officers from Roads Policing, Armed Response, and the Dogs section performed a tactical stop on the vehicle, and three people in the vehicle wearing gloves and balaclavas were detained.

The vehicle was found to contain other number plates, as well as tools that could be used for theft, cleaning products, a fire extinguisher, and an axe.

The three men, all aged in their 20s, two from Buckinghamshire and one from East Drayton, London, were arrested on suspicion of going equipped and theft of a motor vehicle after the involved vehicle was identified as stolen. The driver was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. 

Following further enquiries, the three men were further arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal from motor vehicles between September 20 and November 12, 2024.

These offences are thought to have taken place across several Force areas in the south of the country.

DI Darren Ambrose, who has been leading on the investigation, said: “This was excellent collaborative work and is a significant step in our investigation into van break ins across the county.

“Over the past few weeks, under Operation Sell, a dedicated team of officers have been working with neighbouring forces on the investigation, sharing intelligence to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“We understand how impactive this series of offences has been on the van owners. The nature of the thefts is potentially taking away the livelihoods of the victims, who rely on the tools for their day-to-day business.

“We have now arrested three people in connection with the incident and they are in custody for questioning.

“We would continue to ask van owners – particularly those who own Ford Transit vans – to take proactive measures to keep your van and tools secure.

“Please ensure your tools are forensically marked, and to identify on your vehicle that it contains marked tools. This will act as a significant deterrent for would-be thieves.”