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I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. A joint police operation has successfully taken thousands of pounds worth of illegal substances and dangerous drivers off the streets of Bexley.
On the evening of Friday 30th October 2026, officers from Bexley Safer Neighbourhoods, the Special Constabulary, the VRES Vehicle Enforcement Team, and Kent Police joined forces for 'Operation Aeration'. The targeted, intelligence led nighttime operation was designed to crack down heavily on vehicle related crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
The collaborative crackdown yielded significant results, including the arrest of three individuals for possession with intent to supply Nitrous Oxide. Following the arrests, officers successfully seized 40 boxes of canisters with an estimated street value of over £6,000, disrupting a significant supply chain.
Kent Police also arrested one individual on suspicion of Theft of a Motor Vehicle as the male was riding a stolen bike. This highlights the operation's focus on tackling cross-border criminality and vehicle-related offending.
In addition to the drug seizures, officers focused heavily on road safety. One motorist was arrested for drink driving, and several vehicles were seized and towed away due to drivers lacking valid insurance or licences. Among those caught was an individual who had successfully evaded authorities to drive without a valid licence for over 28 years. That individual's driving streak has officially come to an end, their car has been seized, and they now face a mandatory court appearance.
Operation Aeration demonstrated the value of partnership working and combining specialist resources and local knowledge to tackle motor vehicle crime.
 We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe: Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door. If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space. Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme. Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others.
We want your help to shape the future of policing across London. We are seeking your views on our new inclusion strategy to ensure that the Met is a police service that is trusted, representative and more effective at keeping London safe. You can have your say on our Inclusion Strategy consultation which runs until Thursday 26 November. | 
