Two arrested for thefts from high value vehicles in upmarket parts of London

Officers from Operation Venice, which tackles moped-enabled crime, have arrested a man and woman suspected of committing between 10 and 15 thefts of expensive items from high value vehicles. The pair, a man in his mid-20s and a 19-year-old woman, were arrested on Thursday, 6 June in the SW6 area and remain in custody at south London police stations. The man and woman are alleged to have used a stolen moped displaying stolen vehicle registration plates to ride up to high value vehicles, smash the windows and steal costly items including laptops. They committed their offences across several boroughs including Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster between 29 May and 5 June. A robust investigation led officers to an area in south London today where they found the stolen moped parked. At 3.15pm, the pair approached and mounted the vehicle. However, before they could ride off, officers moved in and detained them. They were then arrested on suspicion of theft from motor vehicles. The man was searched and a Rolex watch secreted in his clothing recovered. Subsequent searches of properties linked to the suspects are being carried out. So far further suspected stolen property, including handbags and electrical items, has been recovered. Sergeant Callum Rodgers, Operation Venice, said: “Operation Venice continues to identify and bring to justice offenders who steal mopeds and use them to commit crime. “I am very pleased with these arrests and how the ensuing investigation is progressing. “A number of items believed to be stolen have been recovered which will help us further our enquiries.”