Six men have been arrested and multiple stolen vehicles seized following a targeted raid at a commercial premises in Henstridge, Somerset. The operation, carried out on Friday, June 5, involved Avon and Somerset Police, Dorset Police, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), and the National Rural Crime team.
The police executed a warrant targeting suspected stolen and cloned vehicles. During the search, officers also recovered Class B drugs and a collection of high-value watches.
Two men, aged 20 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal. Additionally, one of them faces charges of possession of Class B drugs, while the other is suspected of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and driving while disqualified. Both have been released under investigation as inquiries continue.
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Four other men were arrested for offences including conspiracy to steal and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. They are scheduled for voluntary police interviews at a later date.
Neighbourhood Inspector Rose Green commented on the operation: “This was a dynamic and well-planned operation involving officers and specialist teams from across the region working together to disrupt criminal activity. Thanks to the dedication of our local neighbourhood policing teams and regional partners, we achieved these significant results.”
She added, “By acting on local intelligence and collaborating closely, we aim to target those suspected of criminal involvement and keep our rural communities safe. Our investigations are ongoing, and we encourage anyone with information related to vehicle theft, cloning, or suspicious activity to come forward.”
Dorset Police Rural Crime Inspector Adam Gill emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation, stating, “Rural crime often involves offenders operating across counties. Through initiatives like Operation Ragwort, we work with neighbouring forces to share intelligence and take proactive measures that protect our rural communities.”