Essex Police carry out operation targeting cloned vehicles

Essex Police's three-day crackdown involved a coordinated effort by teams including the Road Safety Team, Roads Policing Unit, Operational Support Group and local policing teams. Their focus was on identifying the illegal use of vehicles, including those with false plates, and targeting disqualified and uninsured drivers. In total, 153 vehicles were stopped, leading to 10 arrests and the seizure of 21 vehicles.

Sgt Jim Allen of Essex Police said: "Officers found a significant prevalence of cloned vehicles, some linked to serious crimes, with offenders using registration plate changes to evade detection. Stop - Police say using false plates is not a minor offence (Image: Essex Police) "Using false plates is not a minor offence - it is a deliberate attempt to undermine the justice system, avoid responsibility and continue offending while putting the public in danger."

On the first day of the operation, two cloned vehicles were identified - a van and an Audi TT. Both drivers were disqualified, showing a "clear attempt" to evade the law. The following night, further cloned vehicles were stopped.

A 33-year-old driver was found uninsured and linked to two incidents of making off without payment for fuel. Crackdown - Officers stopped 153 vehicles (Image: Essex Police) Another case involved a cloned Audi A3, which was stopped on the M11.

The driver and two passengers were arrested, and the vehicle was discovered to have been stolen from Greater London just two days earlier. It was also linked to burglaries in the Norwich area. A BMW driver was also arrested for driving in breach of bail conditions, with officers recovering false registration plates from the vehicle.

Offence - A van stopped by police (Image: Essex Police) Other arrests during the operation included suspected drug drivers, one of whom was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife, and another for possessing an offensive weapon. A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Operations like this will continue, with roads policing playing a vital role in tackling criminality, protecting communities and keeping Essex's roads safe for everyone.

"I'd encourage the public to tell us about anyone who doesn't uphold the law or any vehicle that is suspected of being cloned, to contact us."

Additional activity included 31 traffic offence reports, 13 stop and searches.