DOZENS of supercars worth around £7 million were seized by police in a major sting operation this weekend.
More than 70 luxury motors were nabbed in the crackdown – including one from an owner who had been in the UK for just two hours.
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The collaborative operation saw forces from the Metropolitan Police join with those from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to respond to the rise in anti-social and dangerous driving in London.
A flurry of expensive cars were seized across Hyde Park, Kensington, and Chelsea in the capital, including from luxury brands Ferrari, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz.
Two identical purple Lamborghinis – which were uninsured and had been flown into Britain for their owner’s summer trip – were also impounded.
One of the two drivers had been in the UK for just two hours, and behind the wheel for just 15 minutes, before being caught.
The MIB explained that several of the seized vehicles had been brought into Britain from abroad.
Many of these vehicles’ drivers were relying on motor insurance from their home countries, failing to verify if those police provided valid coverage in the UK.
In total, the operation led to the impounding of 72 motors, many of which were uninsured or inadequately covered.
Officers also detected a range of other criminal activity in their investigation.
This included individuals wanted for actual bodily harm and criminal damage, for drug offences, for stolen vehicles, for immigration offences and for fraudulent insurance policies, known as “ghost broking“.
Cops also issued countless tickets for a range of other offences, including driving without a valid licence, using a mobile phone while driving, and failing to have a valid MOT.
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Tickets were also doled out to those who had illegally tinted windows, who were not wearing a seatbelt, and those who were operating vehicles in a dangerous condition.
Officers also identified individuals who had made often-innocent mistakes, such as updating DVLA about the use of a personalised number plate but failing to notify their insurance provider.
The operation provided an opportunity for the motorists to rectify their errors whilst demonstrating just how vigilant the police are to these issues.
Seventy-five officers from the Met’s Special Constabulary and Vehicle Enforcement Team took part, using several methods to identify uninsured drivers.
Special Chief Officer James Deller from the Metropolitan Police, who attended the operation, said: “The Met is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour.
“This operation was set up to respond to resident, business and visitors’ concerns about high-value vehicles causing a nuisance in known hotspot areas in central and west London.
“Already the Met has reduced neighbourhood crime by 19 per cent compared to the same time last year and we’re addressing anti-social behaviour caused by uninsured drivers.
“This has been 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.
“We’ve had some real success – thank you to Special Constable colleagues who volunteer their time to help drive down crime across London.”
Martin Saunders, Head of Uninsured Driving Prevention at MIB, reinforced the dual goals of enforcement and awareness: “We urge all motorists to check their insurance policy is in place, is appropriate for their needs and to reach out to their insurer if they are unsure on any part of their policy.
“While many offenders knowingly violated the law, others fell victim to simple mistakes such as bounced payments, failed renewals or incorrect details.
“With growing concern over seasonal hotspots and tourist-linked offences, the Met and MIB plan to continue enforcement and education efforts throughout the year.
“We don’t want any driver to become uninsured in the first place.
“These rules apply to all motorists, regardless of the value of vehicle they choose to drive.”
