Thames Valley Police officers commended for Operation Jostle

The officers were praised for their efforts in a "complex" investigation called Operation Jostle, which targeted a group involved in vehicle theft for the purpose of sending car parts abroad.

Detective Sergeant Tim Hawley, Sergeant Simon Travis, Detective Constable Sam Buzzard, Detective Constable Rebecca Preedy, vehicle examiner supervisor Ben Matthews, and forensic vehicle examiner Tony Hurdle were commended at the Chief Constable Awards.

Forensic vehicle examiner Tony Hurdle (left) (Image: Thames Valley Police) Detective Constable Sam Buzzard (left) (Image: Thames Valley Police) Operation Jostle was a three-year investigation, which began in April 2020 with the recovery of 15 stolen car engines and four arrests.

Stolen engines recovered in Operation Jostle (Image: Thames Valley Police) As the investigation progressed, officers uncovered an additional 30 stolen car engines at the same site.

The leader of the organised crime group had forged receipts to appear as though he had purchased the engines legitimately.

He was charged with 11 counts of handling stolen goods and one count of perverting the course of justice.

On August 3, 2023, he was found guilty of all 12 offences and sentenced to six years in prison.

The total value of the stolen vehicles was estimated to be around £500,000.

A stolen vehicle recovered in Operation Jostle (Image: Thames Valley Police) Detective Sergeant Tim Hawley said: "I feel deeply honoured to receive such an award.

"Operation Jostle was a protracted and complex investigation and the success is down to the skill and dedication to all the police officers and staff involved, including our colleges at the CPS."

Detective Sergeant Tim Hawley (left) receiving his award (Image: Thames Valley Police) The investigation required hundreds of hours of CCTV to be reviewed, extensive countrywide enquiries, collaborations with partner agencies, and long working hours, Thames Valley Police said.

Sergeant Simon Travis said: "I am very happy to have been part of a team recognised for dealing with a complex investigation involving a national organised crime group."

Sergeant Simon Travis (Image: Thames Valley Police) Thames Valley Police said "without the dedication and professionalism of the vehicle examiners, the true extranet of the criminal network would not have been disrupted".

Vehicle examiner supervisor Ben Matthews added: "It was great to receive this commendation, in recognition of the work of all our forensic vehicle examiners on a risky and complex ‘chop-shop’ operation.

"As a specialty, whose work is often behind the scenes, it was much appreciated to be recognised in this way."

Vehicle examiner supervisor Ben Matthews (Image: Thames Valley Police) Thames Valley Police commended all those involved in the investigation from its inception through to its conclusion, thanking them for their "dedication and hard work".

It said in a statement: "To everyone involved in this investigation from its beginning, to its completion, we offer a very warm congratulations and thank you for your dedication and hard work".