Six people were arrested during 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, executed warrants across Hertfordshire and London in connection with organised vehicle thefts.

The operation was the culmination of a long-running investigation by the Specialist Investigation Team into the theft of 26 keyless vehicles across the county and surrounding areas.

Those charged were:

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, the other four have been released on bail whilst 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."

If you have information about drug crime in your local area, report it online at herts.police.uk/report, via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or by calling the non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively, members of the public can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.