Several men from North London are among six people who have been charged following an operation targeting a gang involved in stealing keyless vehicles.
On Thursday 24 April, officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Specialist Investigation Team, supported by the Operational Support Group, Mobile Support Team and Watford Scorpion officers, carried out warrants across Hertfordshire and London.
The action followed a long-running investigation into the theft of 26 keyless vehicles across the county and surrounding areas.
Those charged are:
Yusuf Ocak, aged 28, of Brook Road, North London, charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and being concerned in the supply of cannabis
Neophytos Constantinou, aged 50, of Cherry Blossom Close, North London, charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and possession with intent to supply cocaine
Erencan Erbasli, aged 25, of Lascotts Road, North London, charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and possession of an offensive weapon
Hasan Aceleci, aged 26, of Kerswell Close, North London, charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles
Franke Allen, aged 28, of Langley Road, Watford, charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles
Sergen Ceylan, aged 29, of Lodge Close, North London, charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles
Ocak and Constantinou were remanded into custody, while the other four have been released on bail as the investigation continues.
Detective Constable Edward Law, from the Specialist Investigation Team, said: “Motor vehicles, particularly keyless entry ones, have become major targets for criminal gangs. There’s been a big increase in these vehicles being stolen by gangs from outside of the county, who are able to override keyless security systems using specialist equipment.
“Using fob protector bags and a good quality steering wheel lock can help to protect your keyless vehicle. We rely on the information we receive from the public, so if you have suspicions about car thefts, report it to us so we can take action.”
Information can be reported online at http://www.herts.police.uk/Report, through the online web chat at http://www.herts.police.uk/contact or by calling 101.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their online form at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Edward Wilkins is a reporter for Harrow Online specialising in breaking news, live incidents and crime reporting across Harrow. His coverage includes emergency service incidents, court cases, road traffic collisions and major developing stories.
