ESSEX Police say the force's actions have led to a significant reduction in the number of motor vehicles stolen on its patch.

A statement from the service says in the three months to the end of July, there was been an 8.8% reduction in reported vehicle thefts compared to the same period last year, a drop in incident numbers of 135.

Detective Superintendent Shaun Kane added: "This is great news, but our work doesn't stop now.

"We're not complacent, we know there is more to do to make Essex a hostile place for those who think they can perpetrate this crime in our county.

"That's why our priority will remain focussed on this crime. We'll continue to build upon this success by being intelligence led in policing activities, identifying hotspots and those associated with organised vehicle crime, and to direct our resources where they are needed, so that we can protect our residents, communities, and businesses.

"But we can't do it alone. We want to ask you to continue working with us to safeguard your vehicles and deter thieves, for a safer Essex.

"To help all vehicle owners, we've launched a crime prevention video to encourage you to take some simple steps that could help prevent you falling victim to car theft and make it difficult for a thief:

• Lock your car, always.
• Switch off the engine while you visit the ATM or pop into a shop, don't leave it running.
• Place keyless fobs in a signal-blocking pouch.
• Store car keys out of sight and away from front doors.
• Use additional security measures such as a wheel lock that make it more difficult to steal your car.
• Remove all valuables from sight, that way it'll remove temptation and reduce opportunities to steal your possessions.

"By working together", the force lead for vehicle crime added: "we can make it difficult for any thief to take your valuable car or business van.

!If you have any information about who involved or associated in this criminality in Essex, please tell us and we will deal.

"Anyone who is involved in vehicle theft should know that we will arrest those involved and they will feel the full weight of a police prosecution."

The force statement highlights the work of its dedicated Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit (SVIU) which uses specialist officers 'who help dismantle the organised criminal networks behind vehicle thefts".

It adds: "In the last three years, they have recovered or identified more than 1,800 vehicles worth £58.5m and investigated 106 chop shops – garages where stolen cars are dismantled or given false identities."

The force is also seeking help to stop thefts, saying:-

Do you have any information?

Anyone with information should contact us as soon as possible.

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Or you can call us on 101.