18 arrests in Wiltshire as police target organised immigration crime
Officers also seized drugs, cigarettes and cash during a national operation
Eighteen arrests were made and 33 businesses visited in Wiltshire as part of a national operation targeting organised immigration crime, Wiltshire Police has said.
Between 21st September and 5th October, Wiltshire Police officers worked alongside the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards and HMRC.
They visited a range of businesses including car washes, restaurants, vape shops, convenience stores and nail salons.
Police said the activity aimed to disrupt organised immigration crime, identify offenders and safeguard vulnerable people.
What was found
During the operation, officers engaged with 262 individuals, made 18 arrests and submitted 62 intelligence reports.
Officers also seized:
- 1kg of cannabis
- 75g of cocaine
- 10,000 cigarettes
- £46,605 in cash
What police said
Detective Chief Inspector Megan Elkins said:
"This was a successful operation with coordinated, multi-agency activity targeting those involved in organised immigration crime and the harm it brings to our communities.
"We know there is significant public concern about this type of offending, which facilitates the illegal movement of people into and out of the UK and enables individuals to remain in the country unlawfully, often in exploitative and vulnerable circumstances.
"These criminal networks are frequently linked to other serious offences, including county lines drug dealing, wider drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud.
"Organised immigration crime is often hidden in plain sight. We would encourage anyone who notices something that doesn't seem right within local businesses or their community, or who has concerns about someone's welfare, to report it so that action can be taken."
Police and Crime Commissioner
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson joined officers during the operation.
He said:
"Organised immigration crime causes real harm to both individuals and communities in our towns and rural areas.
"Those involved often exploit vulnerable people for financial gain, while their activities can be linked to wider criminality including drug supply, fraud and money laundering.
"The results of this operation demonstrate the value of a coordinated approach, with Wiltshire Police and partners working together to disrupt criminal activity, gather intelligence, safeguard those at risk of exploitation and bring offenders to justice. The seizure of drugs, illegal tobacco and significant amounts of cash shows the breadth of criminality often associated with these networks.
"Making Wiltshire safer and protecting vulnerable people are key priorities within my Police and Crime Plan. I welcome the proactive action taken during this period and would encourage anyone who has concerns about potential exploitation or criminal activity in their community to report it. Information from the public can be vital in helping agencies identify victims, disrupt offenders and prevent further harm."
Roads policing activity
Police said officers also targeted transport networks where activity linked to organised immigration crime was suspected.
The Roads Policing Unit carried out a week of activity targeting unsafe vehicles and the use of fraudulent documents by drivers.
Police said this is often associated with organised immigration crime.
Activity took place on key routes including the M4 and A419.
Officers worked alongside DVSA, Immigration Enforcement, Dorset Commercial Vehicle Unit and Wiltshire Police student officers.
The roads policing activity resulted in:
- 13 arrests for immigration offences
- 128 vehicle stops
- 22 Traffic Offence Reports
- 41 Fixed Penalty Notices
Roads policing officers also used new motion detection equipment, which police said can help identify vehicles being used to unlawfully transport people.
Police said Wiltshire has not seen a significant number of cases of people being trafficked in lorries.
They said officers are using the technology as a deterrent and to support proactive operations.
The release says the National Crime Agency warned last year that organised criminal gangs are actively recruiting HGV drivers to smuggle migrants into and out of the UK.
Inspector Neil Duffin, of the Roads Policing Unit, said:
"While Wiltshire has not experienced a significant number of clandestine entries involving lorries, we know this type of criminality is increasing internationally.
"We are committed to doing everything we can to disrupt human trafficking, safeguard vulnerable people and prevent this type of exploitation from affecting our communities.
"This new motion detection technology is quick and easy to deploy, helping officers identify hidden occupants inside vehicles. It is highly sensitive and can detect even the slightest sounds or vibrations, providing an effective tool to support our efforts to protect vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice."
National Operation Lockstream results
The Wiltshire activity formed part of a nationwide operation by police and Immigration Enforcement, codenamed Operation Lockstream.
Nationally, officers and Immigration Enforcement teams:
- Made 452 arrests, 66% of which related to immigration offences
- Stopped more than 6,000 vehicles
- Engaged with more than 11,000 people
- Issued more than 900 fines, totalling more than £141,000
They also seized:
- 491 vehicles
- More than 17,000 packs of cigarettes
- 40kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of more than £100,000
- 22 weapons
- 57 mobile phones
- More than £600,000 in cash
How to report concerns
Anyone who sees something that doesn't look right, or is concerned about someone's welfare, can report it to Wiltshire Police online or by calling 101.
In an emergency, people should always call 999.
Concerns can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or via the Home Office-endorsed charity Stop The Traffik.