The National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership (NVCRP) is pleased to highlight the success of its collaboration with South Yorkshire Police in the ongoing fight against serious and organised vehicle crime. Through a joint effort, NVCRP Project Lead, Mark Kameen, worked closely with Chief Inspector James Bennett from Rotherham’s Command Team to secure funding for the training of two South Yorkshire Police officers as Qualified Stolen Vehicle Examiners (QSVE).

The NVCRP recognises the invaluable contribution of the QSVE qualification in enhancing police capabilities to combat organised vehicle crime. Within just four weeks of completing the training, the newly qualified officers conducted six vehicle examinations, identifying approximately £80,000 worth of stolen vehicles. Among the vehicles identified were a Nissan Juke, stolen from the West Midlands, an Audi RS6, stolen through burglary from the Metropolitan Police area, and a Nissan Navara, stolen in South Yorkshire. These results demonstrate the vital role that trained vehicle examiners play in identifying and recovering stolen vehicles, contributing significantly to reducing vehicle crime.

In addition to the training success, South Yorkshire Police has been actively engaging in intensification work around organised vehicle crime. This has led to the execution of numerous warrants across the region, uncovering stolen property and parts linked to criminal activity. Notable recoveries include five plates from stolen vehicles, a stolen tractor unit, and a Luton lorry with cloned plates. Furthermore, police-led activity at a ‘chop shop’ uncovered hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth of Audi parts, while another chop shop led to the recovery of stolen Range Rover parts. Additional seizures included £200,000 worth of stolen chocolate, £1,000 of stolen workwear, and £8,000 worth of stolen Toshiba printer cartridges, alongside a stolen Sprinter lorry.

The NVCRP is proud to have supported South Yorkshire Police in these important activities, highlighting the strength of partnership working in tackling organised vehicle crime. As Mark Kameen, NVCRP Project Lead, stated, "It was a pleasure to work with and support Chief Inspector Bennett in his efforts to enhance South Yorkshire’s response to vehicle crime. The challenge of tackling serious and organised vehicle crime cannot be overstated, and only through a collaborative and partnership-based approach will we see tangible impacts that benefit victims, communities, and businesses across the UK."

This success story underscores the significant progress that can be made when organisations like the NVCRP and local police forces collaborate to address the complex issue of vehicle crime. The NVCRP remains committed to supporting law enforcement partners across the country in their efforts to reduce vehicle crime, protect communities, and dismantle organised criminal networks.