Met officers seize guns in Mitcham in clampdown on violence

Met officers have seized a double-barrelled shotgun and three pistols in south London after doubling down on a drug gang following a series of shooting incidents.

Intelligence led warrants were carried out on three properties in Mitcham on Friday, 7 June, leading to five arrests and the discovery of weapons, ammunition, dozens of mobile phones, and over one thousand wraps of cocaine.

This is the result of collaborative working between specialist officers and local neighbourhood police teams who had been investigating four firearms incidents in the area over the last 12 months.

The success reflects the Met’s precise and community-first approach to tackling neighbourhood related crime, anti-social behaviour and serious violence.

Detectives charged one man for possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition in the early hours of Saturday, 8 June. He remains in custody. The remaining four people arrested were released on bail. The investigation is ongoing.

Superintendent Luke Mooney, Merton Neighbourhood’s Lead, said: “This incredible achievement of the collective neighbourhood team will have a profound impact on the quality of life for people in Mitcham.

“The teamwork across departments including local Proactive, Community Support and Neighbourhood Officers, Specialist Crime, National Police Air Service, and Dog Units was one of the best collaborative efforts I have seen in my career.

“The team courageously put themselves in harm’s way to keep the public safe in an excellent example of the wider Met leaning in to support community crime fighting.”

Inspector Kevin Chambers, who helped lead the operation, said: “I am incredibly proud of my officers and staff for their ongoing commitment and resilience to reducing crime and building trust.

“These warrants have removed firearms and drugs from our community which we know fuels the violence on our streets and has a devastating and lasting impact on victims.

“The officers involved are to be commended for their dedication and bravery, which has resulted in making Mitcham a safer place.”

As part of the Commissioner’s vision for the New Met for London, we are putting more support into local policing from both community teams and the wider Met, focusing on the issues that matter to Londoners.