The Home Office wants answers as to why car thefts are on the increase in London's metropolitan area. Chief Detective Superintendent Tom Lockhart forms a task force to find out who is responsible for the sudden increase in thefts and drive down car crime in the area.
A car owned by garage owner Tony Farina is found engulfed in flames with a body inside. The police find out that the corpse was shot and wonder if a missing nightwatchman, Paddy Ryan can help.
Criminal 'Smudge' Robinson is knocked down and killed in a road accident. The police find a ransom note in his belongings regarding a kidnapping. Lockhart and Blake need to track down his movements to find the victim.