A MAN has been arrested in connection with the theft of eight vehicles in south Essex.

Acting on information received from a quick-thinking police colleague on Monday, a black Lexus NX300 and a black Range Rover Sport was spotted in Ingleby Road, Chadwell St Mary.

The vehicle, which was allegedly displaying false registration plates, was recovered by Essex Police’s stolen vehicle investigation unit. 

Echo: Found - black Range Rover SportFound - black Range Rover Sport (Image: Essex Police)

Enquiries carried out at the time established their true identities and revealed that both had been allegedly stolen in the preceding days, one from London and one in Essex.

Officers continued their enquiries, resulting in another four cars being taken away for examination from St Francis Way, Grays.

All eight – including Range Rovers, Kias, a Porsche, a Mercedes and a Lexus - had also been reported as stolen.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of multiple vehicles nearby, handling stolen goods/vehicles and conspiracy to commit theft of motor vehicles.

He has been released on bail until February 8 while Essex Police continue with its enquiries.

Det Insp Brian Palombella, who is co-ordinating the investigation, said: “This was a fantastic piece of work from teams across the force, working together to identify and recover a significant number of high-value stolen cars from across Essex, including two from London.

“A suspicion by a colleague proved right and led to a 20-hour operation to forensically remove the vehicles so we can obtain the evidence we need to continue our investigation.

“This find has resulted in significant disruption to organised criminal gangs associated with vehicle crime in Essex.”

During a search of a house, officers from across the district worked together, locating and seizing multiple vehicle keys, vehicle documents, assorted number plates and a five-figure amount of cash.

The Stolen Vehicle Investigation Unit is dedicated to identifying offenders and the recovery of stolen vehicles, using intelligence gained to disrupt criminal activities.