Met Police seize £8m in supercars across Kensington and Chelsea

Metropolitan Police seized 90 vehicles valued at more than £8 million during an operation targeting uninsured, antisocial and dangerous driving in Kensington, Chelsea and Hyde Park. The operation ran from Friday to Sunday.

Among the vehicles seized was a limited-edition Ferrari Monza SP2, valued at £3.7 million. The car had been in the UK for only one day. Police said the driver, who had been behind the wheel for less than half an hour when stopped, held only a provisional licence and no insurance.

New powers used to seize vehicles

Fifteen of the seized vehicles were taken under new powers that allow police to seize cars without issuing a warning if they are involved in antisocial behaviour. The Met said this was the highest number and value of vehicles seized in the five years the operation has been running.

Special Chief Inspector Geoff Tatman, who led the operation, said local residents had repeatedly complained about dangerous and antisocial driving. He said the operation aimed to send a clear message that reckless behaviour would not be tolerated.

During the operation, a man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and money laundering. Police found 19 bank cards in other people’s names and more than £2,500 in cash on him.

Other arrests included a man stopped for driving without insurance, who was later arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs. Another was arrested for using words and behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. A third arrest was made on suspicion of an immigration offence.

What happens next

The seized vehicles will be held by police pending further investigation. Owners may face legal proceedings to recover their cars, depending on the outcome of police enquiries. The man arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and money laundering remains in custody.