A series of arrests took place last week during a police operation to tackle the theft of catalytic converters in west London.

West Area Command officers arrested eleven men after finding tools and multiple catalytic convertors believed to be stolen.

The arrests took place last Thursday (13 January) following Operation Sandcat, a two-day police endeavour which included patrols in hotspot areas and targeted intelligence-led work.

At approximately 6pm on Thursday a suspect BMW car was sighted in Greenford.

A police pursuit took place after the car failed to stop for the officers, before the passengers and driver decamped from the vehicle in Wakeling Lane, Wembley.

The National Police Air Service and the Met's Dog units were at the scene when five men were arrested.

The vehicle turned out to be stolen and a subsequent search found the vehicle had blue lights in the front of the dash, used to imitate police.

Tools and multiple catalytic convertors believed to be stolen from victim's vehicles were also found.

All of the suspects were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, theft, aggravated vehicle taking, impersonating a police officer, having equipped to steal and failing to stop for police.

The men arrested aged from 17 to 30 years-old.

Three further arrests were made by the Met Interceptors, of a 31-year-old man, 42-year-old man and a 22-year-old man all on suspicion of robbery and fraud.

Thames Valley Police also made further arrests for aggravated burglary.

Inspector Owens, West Area Command said: "This crime type is a problem for the community. We are extremely pleased with the result of our operation."