A man has been charged after multiple thefts and burglaries were reported in Romford and South Ockendon.

Steven Crispin, 35, of Bridgwater Road in Harold Hill, was arrested by Met Police on December 20 after officers recovered a stolen vehicle, a knife, bank cards and other stolen items.

Essex Police were initially made aware of the burglaries, thefts from vehicles and shops, and fraud on December 19. All incidents, Essex Police said, had taken place near one another.

In one burglary on Orchard Road in South Ockendon, the police said the victim’s keys were taken, and his vehicle stolen from outside his address.  

A handbag containing bank cards was also reportedly taken with the cards used fraudulently on that same night.

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Met Police officers worked with Essex Police and a person of interest was identified swiftly.

As a result, Crispin was arrested from Harold Hill and was charged with the following offences on December 21:

  • Four counts of burglary.
  • Seven counts of theft of a motor vehicle.
  • Five counts of vehicle interference.
  • Four counts of theft from a motor vehicle.
  • One count of attempted theft from a motor vehicle.
  • Two counts of fraud by false representation.
  • One count of shoplifting.
  • One count of theft.
  • One count of possession of a knife in a public place.

He appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Friday (December 22).

Tony Atkin, chief inspector and Thurrock district commander, said this was “fast paced and effective police work” getting dozens of suspected offences to the point of charge at an early stage.

He said: “Tackling theft of property, particularly theft from and theft of motor vehicles, as well as burglary are key priorities for us, both in how we seek to keep the public safe and in reassurance.”

DCI Alan Blakesley, operational lead on tackling car thefts across Essex added that vehicle theft is becoming “an increasingly complex issue”, but they continue to tackle the problem through “focused, concerted efforts by Roads Policing, Stolen Vehicle Investigation Unit and intelligence officer teams”.

He said: “We work with other forces and businesses to identify and frustrate the routes used for disposing of stolen vehicles or parts, disseminate intelligence and where possible, pursue offenders across borders.”