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Operation Highway

A day of action took place in North Warwickshire last Friday (9 November) as part of Operation Highway, an initiative to tackle vehicle crime within the county.

The operation began earlier this year, aiming to reduce vehicle crime through proactive and reactive policing tactics and partnership working. 

Throughout the day, enhanced patrols took place by officers and dog handlers in areas including Rugby, Nuneaton, Bedworth, Coleshill and Atherstone.

Crime prevention advice was delivered by Safer Neighbourhood Teams in areas including Atherstone, Polesworth, Water Orton, Fillongley and Corley, and leaflets and crime prevention packs were handed out to communities.Op Highway 2 Displays a larger version of this image in a new browser window

As a result of the operation, nine arrests were made for offences including possession of class A drugs, disqualified driving and for going equipped. Eight vehicles were seized for offences including being suspected of being stolen, being uninsured and suspected of being used in crime. 

Following the day’s operation, Sergeant Nathan Hewitt from Warwickshire Police said: “In line with other forces, unfortunately vehicle crime has become an issue in our county over the past year, and a lot of these offences are opportunist.

“The aim of Operation Highway is to target those suspected to be involved in vehicle crime and to promote crime prevention advice. We have invested a number of resources into this operation with the intention of preventing and disrupting offending and bringing those responsible to justice.

“I hope that today’s activities help to demonstrate our determination to reduce vehicle crime within our communities and reassure the public that we are aware committed to doing everything within our power to tackle these offences.”

Further crime prevention advice can be found on the Warwickshire Police website here: https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/article/8680/Vehicle-safety

Top tips to keep your vehicle safe:
• Never leave keys in the ignition or in your car, even for a short time.
• Park if possible in a well lit area.
• If you have a garage, use it. If you park on a driveway, close and lock any gates.
• Close windows, sunroof, lock doors & activate security alarms when leaving your car.
• Take valuables with you when you leave your car.
• If you have to leave valuables in the vehicle, make sure they are locked the boot,
• Keep vehicle documents safe and not in the vehicle.
• Check on your vehicle regularly if parked for any length of time.
• Be vigilant and report suspicious activity.