Public reminded to remain alert following a week of activity to tackle organised vehicle crime

Officers increased patrols of Wiltshire’s major road networks to disrupt and intercept criminal activity, as part of a national week of action targeting organised vehicle crime.

From 13 – 19 October, Wiltshire Police participated in Operation Alliance, a national week of increased activity targeting the organised theft of vehicles organised by policing’s national intelligence unit, Opal, and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS). The Local Police Tasking Team (LPTT) and Roads Policing Unit (RPU) were tasked to proactively search local road networks for suspicious vehicles. This led to officers pursuing a stolen vehicle being driven at speed in Swindon. Subsequently a man in his 20s was arrested for failing to stop, dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply class A drugs, drug driving, criminal damage, and aggravated vehicle taking. The stolen vehicle has since been recovered.

Neighbourhood policing officers have identified members of the public who are more vulnerable to vehicle theft. Over the week of action, officers distributed 20 specialist forensic DNA marking kits designed specifically for use on vehicles. The kits act as a deterrent to criminals and enable officers to easily identify the vehicle’s rightful owner if it was ever stolen.

Four Wiltshire Police officers from the Forensic Collisions Investigation Unit (FCIU) have been provided with Stolen Vehicle Examiners training and specialist equipment. This additional training will enable the officers to bolster their vehicle examination and identification skills and provide detailed, specialist prosecution evidence. This will support and enhance investigations into vehicle crime, thus providing more justice for victims.

Detective Inspector Steve Edwards from the Burglary Team, Complex Fraud Team, Digital Investigations & Intelligence Unit, and force lead for Operation Alliance said: “We recognise how significant vehicle crime can be for our communities, from disruption to livelihoods, to making people feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.

“My message is simple; please report any suspicious circumstances to the police to help us build an accurate intelligence picture to bring offenders to justice. Information of interest includes descriptions of people acting suspiciously around vehicles and any locations you feel may be used to store stolen vehicles or their stripped parts. Often stolen vehicles will be stored in other locations for several days to determine if the vehicle is fitted with a tracker, before they are again moved. If anything does not feel right, we urge you to get in touch.”

Since January 2025, 345 instances of vehicle theft have been reported to Wiltshire Police. National statistics suggest that almost half (46%) of stolen vehicles were left unlocked in 2024*.

D/Insp Edwards continues: “I encourage everyone who owns or uses a vehicle to ensure it is locked as soon as it is left unattended to reduce the chances of theft by opportunist criminals. For vehicles with keyless entry, we suggest storing the vehicle’s keys in a radio frequency identification (RFID) blocker pouch to prevent relay theft.”

Details of security equipment recommended by the police, including RFID blocker pouches, can be found on Secured By Design’s website.

Wiltshire Police carried out localised operational activity as part of nationwide Operation Alliance efforts. Wider efforts saw joined up working with law enforcement agencies including the National Crime Agency, local police forces, the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, Border Force, and Port Authorities.

Reports of suspicious activity can be reported to the police via the website, in-person at an enquiry office, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Operation Alliance is led by Opal and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service. National results from the week include: 154 arrests, more than £2m stolen vehicles seized, and UK’s largest ever ‘chop shop’ raided. More information can be found here.

*Office for National Statistics, 2024.