Car thefts by criminal gangs rising, Essex Police says

The number of thefts of high-value cars by organised criminal gangs is increasing, a police force said.

In 2021, about 480 cars were recovered by the Essex force, compared to more than 600 in 2022.

PC Paul Gerrish said: "On occasions, we have recovered vehicles where they've literally just been completely cut in half.

"They are only interested in the front end of the vehicle, which contains the engine in the ancillary components."

  • Essex