Knife Arrests in North West London Sting
Officers from the Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) made two arrests and seized deadly weapons during separate patrols in North West London.
Teen Caught with Ring Knife in Cricklewood
At 3.40pm on Wednesday, 7 October, VCTF officers staked out an alleyway on Cricklewood Broadway, NW1, notorious for drug dealing near schools. Spotting two suspicious youths, the officers gave chase as they tried to bolt.
They caught a 14-year-old boy and found a ring knife on him. He was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon but later released under investigation. The youngster was referred to the Met’s Divert programme, which steers young people away from crime towards jobs and education.
“Divert has helped over 800 young people in the past year, with 380 landing full-time jobs or training,” said police.
The second boy, 16, walked free with no action taken.
24-Year-Old Nabbed With Lock Knife in Harlesden
Later that night at 8.10pm, officers stopped a suspicious car on Harlesden Road. Searching the vehicle and driver, a 24-year-old man, they uncovered a large lock knife. He was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and released pending further investigation.
VCTF Cracks Down on Violent Crime
Police Sergeant Iain Hardman said: “The purpose of the VCTF is to be more proactive on the streets, bearing down on violent crime and serious criminality, and we are doing just that. We are continuously seizing knives and weapons through our proactive work.”
“The officers on this team are hugely dedicated and work hard to keep London safe.”
