30 arrests in crime crackdown (From thisisoxfordshire)

30 arrests in crime crackdown

6:32pm Wednesday 23rd January 2008

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POLICE are stepping up a crackdown on burglary and car crime across South Oxfordshire and the Vale.

Codenamed Operation Maelstrom, the driver will use a large team of plain clothed and high visibility officers, using stop check powers and pursuing known offenders, as well as executing warrants at suspects' addresses.

Supt Andy Murray, leading the operation, said: "We have a dedicated team of highly motivated officers who are using intelligence to target high crime areas and prolific offenders throughout the Vale of the White Horse and South Oxfordshire.

"We would like to reassure residents that we will be pursuing these prolific offenders and will be working hard until they are bought to justice."

Since January 1, when Operation Maelstrom began, there have been 30 arrests which have resulted in eight charges and two cautions.

There have also been six warrants executed at properties across the area in relation to handling stolen goods, burglary and drugs offences.

Officers have also been involved in roadside checks and carrying out ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) exercises, which has resulted in several vehicles being stopped and the drivers dealt with for motoring offences, including driving with no insurance.

Police said a significant arrest was on January 8, when a man was arrested for a burglary that happened earlier that day at a property in Saxon's Heath, Long Wittenham.

Police officers found everything that had been stolen from the burglary in a nearby field. Jamie Johnson, 18, from Long Wittenham, was arrested, charged and found guilty of burglary, two offences of shoplifting and theft in a dwelling.

Supt Murray added: "Operation Maelstrom has been very successful so far and we are hoping to continue getting good results.

"I would like to remind the public to report any suspicious incidents they see to the police and if they know anyone who may be dealing in stolen property then we would like to know.

"The offenders should know that will not tolerate this behaviour and we will be out in force to get you."

Anyone with any information that could help the police should contact Det Con Goff at Thame police station via 0845 8 505 505, or if you do not want to talk to the police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

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