Crime, Wimborne | Posted on December 17th, 2024 | return to news
Five people arrested in Wimborne over vehicle thefts in East Dorset
Police arrested four men and one woman on suspicion of motor vehicle theft and other offences including modern slavery.
Four men and one woman were arrested at an address in Holt in Wimborne on Tuesday 3 December as part of an investigation into vehicle thefts in East Dorset.
The arrests were made after detectives executed a warrant and searched the premises.
The search followed detailed enquiries by detectives into the reports of thefts made in September 2024.
All five people were arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle offences. Following the search, two of the suspects, a 36-year-old woman from Bournemouth and a 56-year-old man from Coulsdon in Surrey, were also arrested on suspicion of holding a person in slavery or servitude.
One of the suspects, a 52-year-old man from Wimborne, was also arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.
The remaining two suspects arrested were a 59-year-old man from Southampton in Hampshire and a 33-year-old man from Wimborne.
All five people have been released under investigation as further enquiries are carried out.
Inspector Emma Reeves, of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: “We are continuing to investigate the reported vehicle thefts and these arrests demonstrate that we are taking appropriate action and covering all proportionate lines of enquiry to recover stolen vehicles.
“If you have been the victim of vehicle crime, I would urge you to report the incident to us.
“This warrant has also led to further enquiries into suspected modern slavery offences being committed at the address. We would ask anyone who is the victim of modern slavery offences or any kind of exploitation to please come forward to report it to us, in the knowledge that you will be fully supported, and we will thoroughly investigate the matter.
“Furthermore, members of the public are advised to be vigilant of the signs that someone could be being exploited and to report any concerns to police.”
The police urge anyone who has information to report it online at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, always call 999.
For more information on human trafficking and modern slavery, including how to spot signs and report concerns, visit https://www.dorset.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/ms/modern-slavery/.
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