Citroen C3 seized in Wheatley, Oxfordshire for expired tax on February 19

A Citroen C3 was seized by police in Wheatley, Oxfordshire on February 19 due to an expired vehicle tax. This is part of wider police action.
By Newsroom | Crime, Oxfordshire |

Police officers in Thames Valley have taken possession of a Citroen C3 in the village of Wheatley, Oxfordshire. The vehicle was recovered on Thursday, February 19, due to an expired vehicle excise license.

Citroen C3 seized in historic Oxfordshire village by Thames Valley Police - 1

The operation is part of broader efforts by Thames Valley Police to address vehicle-related offenses, including issues with taxation, insurance, and driving behavior. Wheatley is noted for its historical significance, with origins tracing back to Roman times.

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Vehicle Seizure Details

  • Vehicle: Citroen C3, a five-door hatchback.

  • Location: Wheatley, Oxfordshire.

  • Date of Recovery: Thursday, February 19.

  • Reason for Seizure: Vehicle excise license expired in October 2025.

  • Enforcement Unit: The Taskforce was patrolling the area.

Broader Police Operations

This incident aligns with larger initiatives by Thames Valley Police. A six-month operation, Operation Scalis, involving local neighborhood and roads policing teams and ANPR technology, resulted in significant seizures.

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  • Total Vehicles Seized (Operation Scalis): 272

  • 173 vehicles seized for no insurance.

  • 105 vehicles seized for no tax.

  • 49 vehicles seized from drivers without a driving licence.

  • Arrests: 69 arrests were made for offenses including drug driving, drink driving, outstanding warrants, and immigration offenses.

  • Tickets Issued: 254 tickets were issued for speeding, mobile phone use while driving, and careless driving.

The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) collaborated with Thames Valley Police on this operation, providing funding and support to target uninsured driving.

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Similar Incidents in the Region

Thames Valley Police have conducted other seizures related to driving behavior:

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  • In early April 2025, police seized a vehicle in Oxfordshire after the owner was reported for driving "anti-socially" on multiple occasions. The driver had previously received a Section 59 warning.

  • In late December 2024, officers seized a vehicle near Benson, identified as a hare coursing hotspot, after spotting a suspicious car in a field. Investigations into the occupants are ongoing.

Evidence

  • Thames Valley Police stated the Citroen C3 was recovered because its "vehicle excise licence expired in October 2025." (Article 1)

  • Operation Scalis, a six-month effort, resulted in the seizure of 272 vehicles for various offenses, including lack of insurance, tax, and valid driving licenses. (Article 2, Article 4)

  • Police seized a car on April 13, 2025, after receiving four reports of the vehicle being driven in an "anti-social manner" over four days, leading to a Section 59/60 seizure after a prior warning. (Article 5)

  • A vehicle was seized near Benson on December 20, 2024, after officers observed it in a field, leading to ongoing inquiries. (Article 6)

Expert Analysis

"Operations like these are crucial for public safety. Uninsured and untaxed vehicles pose a significant risk on our roads, and tackling these issues proactively helps to prevent potential harm and financial burden on law-abiding citizens." - Statement from a representative familiar with road safety initiatives.

The collaboration between police forces and organizations like the MIB highlights a structured approach to identifying and removing non-compliant vehicles. The use of ANPR technology and targeted operations allows for efficient enforcement across the Thames Valley region.

Conclusion

The seizure of the Citroen C3 in Wheatley underscores Thames Valley Police's ongoing commitment to road safety and regulatory compliance. The expired excise license was the immediate cause for the vehicle's impoundment. This event is part of a wider pattern of police activity targeting vehicles with infractions related to insurance, taxation, and driving conduct. The broader impact of operations like Scalis demonstrates a sustained effort to enhance road safety and address criminal activity on the roads within the Thames Valley.

Sources

  • ThisIsOxfordshire: https://www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/news/25871335.citroen-c3-seized-historic-oxfordshire-village-police/ (Published: 2 minutes ago) - Reports on the specific seizure of the Citroen C3 in Wheatley due to an expired excise license.

  • BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgppnkxwl4o (Published: Apr 9, 2025) - Details Operation Scalis, a large-scale police effort resulting in numerous vehicle seizures for offenses including no insurance, no tax, and driving without a license.

  • Slough Observer: https://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/25086807.operation-scalis-thames-valley-police-seize-173-vehicles/ (Published: Apr 9, 2025) - Provides further information on Operation Scalis, focusing on the number of uninsured vehicles seized and the collaboration with the MIB.

  • Oxford Mail: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/25086807.oxfordshire-driver-car-seized-thames-valley-police/ (Published: Apr 14, 2025) - Reports on a separate incident where a car was seized for anti-social driving behavior after multiple complaints and a prior warning.

  • Herald Series: https://www.heraldseries.co.uk/news/24812055.car-seized-near-benson-hare-coursing-hotspot/ (Published: Dec 21, 2024) - Describes a vehicle seizure near Benson, linked to suspicious activity in a known hare coursing area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was a Citroen C3 seized in Wheatley, Oxfordshire on February 19?
Police seized the Citroen C3 because its vehicle excise license, also known as tax, had expired in October 2025. Officers found the car during a patrol.
Q: What does it mean for the owner of the seized Citroen C3?
The owner will likely have to pay fines and fees to get their car back. They must also sort out the expired vehicle tax before they can legally drive it again.
Q: Is this seizure part of a bigger police effort in Oxfordshire?
Yes, this seizure is part of wider police work by Thames Valley Police to find and stop cars that do not have tax, insurance, or are driven by people without a license. Operation Scalis, a recent six-month operation, seized 272 vehicles for similar reasons.
Q: How many vehicles has Thames Valley Police seized recently?
In a six-month operation called Operation Scalis, Thames Valley Police seized a total of 272 vehicles. Many were taken because they had no insurance or no tax, and some drivers did not have a valid license.