The Met Police is claiming 40 arrests today from actioning 32 warrants in early morning raids across Mitcham “to disrupt serious and organised criminality”.
Nicked: the Metropolitan Police made 40 arrests around Mitcham this morning
The daybreak raids – dubbed Operation Hessian by someone at Scotland Yard who’s probably watched too many episodes of Line Of Duty – involved 270 officers, and came in response to growing levels of violence in the area.
“Over six months, the intelligence-led operation has targeted the most prolific and dangerous offenders to remove weapons, firearms and drugs off the streets,” the Met said in a statement issued this afternoon.
The raids seized 12 firearms along with ammunition, 40 “bladed and offensive weapons” and £340,000-worth of drugs, as well as £85,000 in cash, “suspected to be the proceeds of crime”.
The police say that “number plate recognition, weapon sweeps and high visibility patrols in hotspot areas are preventing violence and reducing crime”.
Inspector Kevin Chambers, who led the operation, said: “Our priority is the safety of the community in Mitcham. We will continue to deliver tailored operations to tackle the issues that matter most to them.
“I am pleased with the results from the operation over a short time. Our efforts are ongoing. I hope the arrests send a firm message to offenders that we are committed to removing them from the community to protect our neighbourhoods.
“We remain focused on working alongside communities to crack down on organised criminality and serious violence in the area.”
And the Metropolitan Police appealed to residents in and around the Mitcham and Merton areas:” If you have concerns in your area, please contact SWMailbox-.OpHessian@met.police.uk. Alternatively, call 101, report it online or visit Crimestoppers anonymously. Always call 999 in an emergency.
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