The intelligence-led operation is the biggest of its kind to be carried out under Operation Blunt 2, the Metropolitan Police’s drive to combat knife crime and other serious youth violence.
The focus of today’s activity was to target individuals suspected of being involved in violence against young people – a significant number being associated with gangs.
Raids have taken place at a number of addresses across all 32 London boroughs where arrests have been made.
The arrests were made for a range of offences including robbery, serious assault, violent disorder, aggravated burglary and the supply of controlled drugs.
They have all been taken to London police stations, where they remain in custody pending further inquiries.
A firearm has been seized in Westminster.
Three dangerous dogs have been seized in Lambeth, Tower Hamlets and Ealing.
A range of other tactics have been deployed including the use of screening arches at transport hubs, stop and search operations and searches of open spaces for weapons.
In addition officers are seizing property believed to be the proceeds of crime.
Blunting the violence
The operation has been led by Operation Blunt 2, supported by hundreds of local officers from across London, Territorial Support Group, Specialist Dogs’ Unit, Operation Payback and the UK Border Agency. Safer Neighbourhoods’ Teams and schools’ officers are also involved in today’s activity.
It is just over a year since Blunt 2 was launched to tackle unacceptable acts of violence against young people in London. Since then 5,748 knives have been recovered, more than 300,000 stop and searches conducted andmore than 10,800 people arrested for knife-related offences.
Today’s operation is part of continuing police and sustained drive to tackle violent offenders and gang-related criminality. Further enforcement activity can be expected over the coming months, the Met said.
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 said: “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 and will continue to work hard to maintain this support. Independent advisors from the community will be on hand throughout the day to advice and provide feedback on the operation.
“To the families and carers of individuals targeted today, I would like to make it clear that we are knocking on their doors because someone living there has invited us in by being a gang member or involved in serious crime.”
Major operation
Kit Malthouse, the vice-chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority and Deputy Mayor for Policing, said: “This is a really major operation that has our complete support. Londoners want the police to own the streets, not criminals and not gangs.
“Today we are sending a muscular message to those who use violence in the capital: we know who you are, and we are coming to get you. If you are in a gang, or if violence is on your agenda, we advise you to think again. If you continue, one bright morning soon, you can expect to see the inside of a police cell.
“Across London many residents will wake up this morning safer than they were last night. Many neighbourhoods will wake up to a brighter day.No one in London should be in any doubt that the Mayor and the Met are determined to deal with violence in an assertive way so that all Londoners can be free of fear.
“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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