Police seized 72 luxury supercars worth more than £6 million during a major crackdown on anti-social driving in London's West End last weekend. The operation targeted nuisance driving around Hyde Park, Kensington and Chelsea following complaints from residents, businesses and visitors.
The haul included Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Bentleys that were either unroadworthy or being driven illegally. Officers worked with the Motor Insurers' Bureau to tackle a range of driving offences including no insurance, no licence, disqualification, false documentation and fraudulent number plates.
Serious crimes uncovered
Eight people were arrested for offences including actual bodily harm, criminal damage, drug offences, theft and immigration breaches. A 22-year-old man from Hammersmith was remanded in custody for ABH and criminal damage, while a 25-year-old London man was charged with possession of a class B drug.
A 27-year-old man from Watford was arrested for theft of a motor vehicle and released under investigation. A 23-year-old man from Twickenham was remanded after being arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving without insurance or a licence, and drug-driving.
Three men aged 26, 35 and 39, plus a 23-year-old woman, all from London, were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
Fraudulent schemes exposed
Several stolen vehicles were recovered during the operation. Ten cars were found to have no valid MoT and 11 lacked road tax.
According to the Evening Standard, officers also detected "ghost broking" fraud involving fraudulent insurance policies. The Evening Standard reports that two identical uninsured Lamborghinis had been flown into Britain for an owner's summer holiday, with one driver in the country for just hours before being caught.
Police leadership response
Special Chief Officer James Deller said the operation responded to concerns over "high-value vehicles causing a nuisance in known hotspot areas in central and west London". He added: "The Met has already reduced neighbourhood crime by 19% over recent months and we're addressing anti-social behaviour caused by uninsured drivers."
Deller described it as "a great opportunity to work with the Motor Insurers' Bureau and for officers to speak with members of the public about the work we do, educate drivers and enforce the law".
Sources used: "PA Media", "Evening Standard" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
