ROCUs support latest organised immigration crime campaign

ROCUs across England and Wales have supported a two week campaign which led to hundreds of arrests linked to organised immigration crime.

Operation Lockstream is a National Police Chief's Council-led initiative targeting organised immigration crime across the country.

Officers joined forces from September 21 to October 2, carrying out coordinated activity alongside partners to tackle illegal working, exploitation and wider criminality linked to cross-border offending.

 

EMSOU

In the East Midlands, the Disruption Team coordinated multi agency operations across the region, bringing together numerous law enforcement agencies to ensure as many lawful powers were available to safeguard any victims.

EMSOU officers and partners were stationed along the M1 and A1 motorways in Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. Their objective was to stop-check Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) that had entered the UK from mainland Europe.  

Concealing victims of Human Trafficking and OIC in these vehicles is a well-used method of clandestine entry.

The team diverted a total of 80 vehicles from the motorways so they could be searched. Drivers were offered advice via interpreters in relation to the appropriate security of their wagons and how to prevent their goods vehicles from being targeted and used as an illegal method of transporting victims of human trafficking.

One vehicle was seized and two persons illegally in the UK were detained by Home Office Immigration officials. One was bailed and one is now going through the deportation process.

Total numbers for the East Mids (including force action) are as follows:

• 120 intelligence reports
• 14 arrests
• 32 vehicle seizures

 

NEROCU

Officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) coordinated activity, working alongside partners from Northumbria Police, Durham Constabulary and Cleveland Police, as well as Immigration Enforcement, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and other regional partners to tackle illegal working, exploitation and wider criminality linked to cross-border offending.

The action resulted in a range of enforcement outcomes, including 15 arrests, £3,000 worth of drug seizures, 163 vehicles stopped and the disruption of individuals suspected of involvement in organised criminality.

Police activity also saw 39 vehicles seized and £2,900 worth of fines issued.

NEROCU Detective Inspector Gaye Martin, said: “This intensification demonstrates the power of collaborative working between police and immigration partners in identifying and disrupting anyone who seeks to exploit and harm others while engaging in wider criminality.

“The operation also highlighted the ongoing work year-round to continue to dismantle these criminal groups and safeguard communities.

DI Martin added: "I would like to thank all officers, staff and partner agencies who contributed to the operation and helped deliver these positive results – together we’re sending a strong message to those looking to illegally operate within the North East.”

 

ROCUWM

The Organised Crime Unit for the West Midlands Region supported its four constituent forces – Staffordshire Police, Warwickshire Police, West Mercia Police, and West Midlands Police. During the deployment we interacted with 1162 people, results include:

• 116 arrests
• 756 vehicles stopped during the deployment
• Vehicles seized – 60 cars, 31 vans, 3 lorries, 22 E-bikes, 1 E-scooter
• 21 Police fines issued - £20,999
• 4 Immigration fines to owner totalling £180,000
• Drugs seized - Cocaine 5 wraps, Cannabis 4-5kg, 100 packets of edible gummies, 25kg opium 15kg poppy seed heads, 21 bags of non-prescription dugs and 1 bag of monkey dust.
• 6500 illegal cigarettes, 3kg tobacco and 21 pouches
• 100 cannabis THC vapes, 5 vapes seized
• Counterfeit goods - unregulated tops, 23 toys, 1 counterfeit Italian driving licence seized
• 27 Mobile phones seized
• 4 Weapons seized
• £40,500 Cash seized

 

SWROCU

SWROCU supported its regional forces - Avon & Somerset Police, Devon & Cornwall Police, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire Constabulary, and Wiltshire Police - with activity across the South West.

More than 3,500 people were interacted with, 42 arrests were made and more than 60 fines were issued. Officers seized quantities of cannabis, illegal cigarettes, mobile phones, cash and vehicles.

Detective Inspector Lucy Skinner of SWROCU said: "Deploying officers across the road, rail and port network throughout the South West demonstrates the strength of our collective response to organised immigration crime.  

"By working closely with our regional police forces, national agencies and local partners, it sends a clear message that organised immigration crime will not be tolerated and we will use every available tactic to target those responsible.”