A BOY and a man have been arrested after officers investigating several vehicle-related crimes discovered drugs, a stolen van and stolen tools.

Officers from the Braintree and Uttlesford Community Policing Team made the finds while executing a search warrant in Great Dunmow, on Sunday.

They quickly arrested a 17-year-old boy and a 56-year-old man who are both from Great Dunmow.

The boy was arrested on suspicion of seven counts of theft from a motor vehicle and five counts of interfering with a motor vehicle.

He was taken to custody where he currently remains.

Meanwhile the man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

He was released under investigation while enquires continue.

The pair were arrested after the team searched the premises and recovered a number of suspected stolen tools, a stolen van and seized a number of wraps of suspected Class A and B drugs along with a four figure sum of cash.

A vehicle which is believed to have been seen at a number of incidents was also seized by police.

Sergeant Tom Bastendorff said: "We are determined to seek justice for the innocent and hardworking people who have had their vehicles broken into.

"We want to reassure the public that we are working round the clock to gather intelligence on suspects and are taking action in relation to these offences."

The officers from the policing team were joined by Essex Police's Force Support Unit to carry out the warrant.

It comes after a number of reports of vehicles crimes across the Braintree and Uttlesford districts.

Anyone with any information about vehicle thefts should report it at essex.police.uk/doitonline or on 101.