Mitcham police community crime fighting operation leads to 40 arrests  

Metropolitan Police neighbourhood officers in Mitcham carried out 32 early morning warrants across Merton to disrupt serious and organised criminality.

The operation, involving 270 officers, comes as part of the Met’s focus on community policing and tackling crime that matters most to residents. Serious violence in the area was raised as a concern by the local community, which led to the inception of a proactive policing plan, known as Operation Hessian.

Over six months, the intelligence-led operation has targeted the most prolific and dangerous offenders to remove weapons, firearms and drugs off the streets. To date 12 firearms along with ammunition, 40 bladed and offensive weapons have been seized, as well as £340,000 worth of drugs and over £85,000 of cash, suspected to be the proceeds of crime.

Further tactics such as number plate recognition, weapon sweeps, and high visibility patrols in hotspots areas are preventing violence and reducing crime.

Inspector Kevin Chambers, the neighbourhood officer 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 focussed on working alongside communities to crack down on organised criminality and serious violence in the area”.

Sergeant Matt Jones, the neighbourhood officer who coordinated the operation, said: “I am tremendously proud of how our teams across the Met have come together to tackle local crime affecting our communities' quality of life.

“We remain focussed on working alongside communities to crack down on organised criminality and serious violence in the area.

“Merton neighbourhood officers remain focused to deliver for the community and re-build trust and confidence in local policing.”

Information from local residence is important to our safer neighbourhood police officers. 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.