Seven men and one woman from Bournemouth have all been arrested due to links with a reported large-scale organised theft of around 40 keyless-start vehicles, between April and December 2024.
Led by Dorset Police’s serious organised crime investigation team, enquiries into the thefts reveal that there’s an estimated value in excess of half a million pounds.
The investigation has focused on a group reported to be responsible for stealing high value vehicles from across the south of England and exporting them overseas.
Following their detailed enquiries, 11 people have now been arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft offences.
The men– aged 19, 24, 25, 27, 33, 34 and 38 – as well as a 32-year-old woman, were arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft offences.
Additionally, a 25-year-old man from Portsmouth, a 37-year-old man from Romford and a 41-year-old man from Weston-Super-Mare were arrested.
All the suspects have been released on police bail or released under investigation as further enquiries are conducted.
A 38-year-old man from Bournemouth has also been interviewed by officers and released under investigation.
The most recent arrest occurred in the Avon and Somerset area and led to a subsequent search of an industrial area.
This activity was supported by specialist resources including the Operational Support Unit (OSU), Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs), vehicles examiners and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).
The investigation team has also received support from Operation Opal, the national intelligence unit focussing on serious organised acquisitive crime.
Detective chief inspector Jamie Halford, of SOCIT, said: “This comprehensive investigation has been a collaborative effort across several force areas to disrupt the activities of this group reported to be involved in a widescale operation targeting keyless start vehicles.
“Our detectives are continuing to compile evidence and are already working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with a view to securing charges in this case.”
Members of the public are being reminded to keep your car keys (if you have keyless entry) well away from the car.
Also, people should put their keys in a signal-blocking pouch, turn off wireless signals when it’s not being used and reprogramme your keys if you buy a second-hand car.