Car crime clampdown

11:56pm Monday 2nd April 2007

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POLICE are launching a countywide clampdown on vehicle crime.

Operation Lynx started yesterday, with officers across Essex focusing on car thieves and vehicle break-ins.

Traffic officers and the force's dog unit will be increasing the number of high-visibility patrols on the streets.

Other officers will be using automated number plate recognition equipment at the roadside.

This will allow police to tell instantly if a car is uninsured, untaxed, unregistered, stolen or has been involved in crimes.

The operation will take place over the Easter period, when police usually see an increase in car thefts and break-ins.

Essex Police's head of territorial policing, Chief Insp Piers Quinnell said: "This operation will target specific local problems and resolve issues now and in the long term."

As part of the clampdown, police will also be offering advice to motorists about how to keep their vehicles safe from thieves.