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Dawn raids hit gangs
Londoners ‘safer’ after arrests for violent disorder
A firearm has been seized and 10 people arrested in dawn raids across the borough as part of a crackdown on gang violence.
Arrests were made for robbery, assault, violent disorder, burglary and supply of drugs at addresses in Maida Vale and Harrow Road in the biggest single gang-related operation in the capital to date. Police said more than £8,000 in cash and large quantities of cocaine and cannabis were confiscated. Hundreds of officers were mobilised in last Thursday’s swoop under Operation Blunt 2.
It is being hailed as a landmark victory in the battle against gang violence.
Kim Malthouse, vice-chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said Londoners would “wake up safer” following the raids.
Since the launch of the operation 5,748 knives have been recovered, more than 300,000 stop- and-searches conducted and 10,800 people have been arrested for knife-related offences.
Commander Mark Simmons, the head of Operation Blunt 2, said:
“We know that street gangs often play a part in violent attacks on young people.
“Individuals affiliated to gangs are cowardly, acting in packs and using weapons to target and intimidate others. Clearly this is a cause of considerable public concern and the Met has been working hard over the last year to tackle the issue.
“Through intelligence we have identified the individuals we believe are causing the greatest amount harm. We have targeted a number of gangs intent upon causing misery.
“This operation builds upon that work by focusing on violent offenders, some of whom are gang members, with the intention of arresting them for various offences and placing them before the courts.”
He added: “The vast majority of young people are law-abiding and it is our duty to keep them safe. We know that we have the backing of the communities we serve.”
Mr Malthouse said: “Across London many residents will wake up safer than they were. Many neighbourhoods will wake up to a brighter day. I congratulate Commander Simmons, his team, and London’s finest: the police officers who have put themselves in harm’s way this morning. We salute and thank you.” |
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