31 arrests and 26 vehicles seized in West Mercia anti-crime operation
Operation Lockstream tackles organised immigration crime and exploitation in West Mercia
A collaborative police operation across West Mercia has resulted in 31 arrests and the seizure of 26 vehicles as part of a national effort to combat organised immigration crime and related exploitation.
Throughout October, officers from Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Roads Policing worked with partner agencies in Operation Lockstream, targeting criminal activities linked to vulnerable sectors such as delivery services.
The operation took place across Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire, and involved 104 vehicle stops, yielding estimated fines of £6,800 and 28 traffic offence reports.
Additionally, officers submitted 18 intelligence reports to assist ongoing investigations.
Detective Sergeant Laura Hutson from the Serious Organised Crime Unit highlighted the operation's success in disrupting organised crime networks and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
She emphasised the importance of proactive enforcement and intelligence-led policing in maintaining safe communities and vowed continued collaboration with partners to tackle criminal activities.
Operation Lockstream's results underscore the commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people and disrupting exploitative criminal enterprises.