In a police operation targeting vehicle thefts in East London, a 35-year-old man from Romford has been charged with a staggering 26 separate crimes against 16 different victims. The charges include theft, fraud, burglary, and possession of a knife.
Steven Crispin, a resident of Bridgwater Road, Romford, was apprehended on December 20 in the Harold Hill area, where he was found in possession of a stolen vehicle, a knife, and various other stolen items, including bank cards.
Crispin now faces a litany of charges, including:
- Four counts of burglary
- Seven counts of theft of a motor vehicle
- Five counts of vehicle interference
- Four counts of theft from a motor vehicle
- One count of attempted theft from a motor vehicle
- Two counts of fraud by false representation
- One count each of shoplifting, theft, and possession of a knife in a public place.
He appeared in Southend Magistrates’ Court on December 22, where legal proceedings against him commenced.
Crispin’s arrest followed a crackdown on vehicle theft in the Romford area, carried out collaboratively by Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police.
The investigation was initiated on December 19 after Essex Police received reports of a series of burglaries, thefts from vehicles and stores, and incidents of fraud occurring near each other.
One victim reported a burglary in Orchard Road, South Ockendon, where his keys were stolen, along with his car parked outside his home. Additionally, a handbag containing bank cards was taken, and these cards were used fraudulently later the same night.
Essex Police, conducting a swift investigation to identify individuals of interest, led to the arrest of Steven Crispin in Romford the following day.
Chief Inspector Tony Atkin, Thurrock district commander, commended the rapid and effective police work, which led to the charges being filed at an early stage. He emphasized that tackling theft of property, especially theft from and theft of motor vehicles, remains a top priority for the police, ensuring public safety and reassurance.
DCI Alan Blakesley, the operational lead on addressing car thefts across Essex, acknowledged the increasing complexity of vehicle theft but reaffirmed the force’s commitment to combatting this issue through focused efforts. This includes the collaboration of Roads Policing, the Stolen Vehicle Investigation Unit, and intelligence officer teams, working with local and community policing units to disrupt and apprehend those responsible.
Blakesley also highlighted the force’s collaboration with other agencies and businesses to identify and thwart the routes used for disposing of stolen vehicles or parts, sharing intelligence, and pursuing offenders across borders whenever possible.
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