Cannabis, vehicles and stolen digger seized after M25 police patrol

Officers from the Three Rivers operation scorpion and intervention teams joined forces with Thames Valley Police to carry out an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) operation on the M25 corridor between junctions 17 and 18.

Officers used marked and unmarked police vehicles alongside ANPR technology on the main routes crossing between Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The operation took place on August 19 and August 20, and police stopped more than 80 cars speaking to the drivers and passengers to determine the nature of their journeys.

Police stopped more than 80 vehicles on a two-day patrol. Credit: Hertfordshire Constabulary.

As a result of the operation a 28-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of cannabis, a class B drug after a vehicle was stopped on Chorleywood Road.

He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

A 37-year-old man from Watford, who was wanted by police, was also arrested on suspicion of threats to cause damage, shoplifting and theft of a motor vehicle.

Officers said he has been remanded in custody.

Two vehicles were also seized for having no insurance, two drivers were also reported for driving without a licence and 17 stop and searches were carried out.

There was one Community Resolution Order issued for possession of cannabis and the recovery of a previously stolen digger.

Officer stopped a vehicle in Stockers Farm Road in Rickmansworth and checks were made on the digger it was towing. After further investigation, it was found that the digger had been stolen from France five years ago.

But officers confirmed that the person towing the digger has purchased it in good faith and not realised it was stolen. It was seized and enquiries are ongoing to reunite it with its original owner.

This follows from another ANPR operation carried out by the Safer Neighbourhood Team officers last month.

Police also made arrests during the patrol. Credit: Hertfordshire Constabulary

Two people were arrested for possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs after officers stopped a car in Carpenders Park as officers said it was believed to be linked to theft offences.

The driver and vehicle was searched before recovering cannabis, cash and a mobile phone.

Later the same day officers searched a linked address in Three Rivers where they recovered more cannabis  as well as crack cocaine, MDMA, LSD further psychoactive substances and drugs paraphernalia.

Another man was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and obstructing police after a vehicle was stop on Prestwick Road in South Oxhey, officers said they suspect those in the vehicle were engaging in drug dealing.

Police tried to detain two men but one physically resisted the search and attempted to get away. But he was then detained and taken to custody.

Officers added that both men and their vehicle were searched but this proved negative and intelligence was recorded.