Crackdown in North Westminster as Police Launch Dawn Raids on Gang Members
Ten Arrested in Early Morning Blitz
Specialist Crime officers swooped at dawn today (Tuesday, 28 February), making ten arrests across north Westminster. The targeted raids are part of a relentless push to tackle a violent gang linked to firearms offences, drugs, and a long string of violent crime.
Clear, Hold, Build: The New Crime Busting Strategy
Leading the charge, Detective Chief Inspector Ben Mahoney described the operation as “months of intense targeting” aimed at breaking a vicious cycle of violence. The force is using the Clear, Hold, Build tactic—endorsed by the Policing Inspectorate—designed to:
- Clear: Drive out gang members from hot spots.
- Hold: Prevent other gangs from moving in.
- Build: Support local communities to resist crime gangs.
Partnership Efforts to Keep Crime at Bay
The Met isn’t working alone. Collaborations with Westminster Council and the charity Bounceback are crucial. Bounceback helps vulnerable young people escape lives of crime by offering training and paid work opportunities.
Details of the Raids
During the operation, eight men aged 21 to 29 were arrested at eight different addresses. They face suspicion of conspiring to possess firearms with intent to endanger life. Two additional men were detained on suspicion of intent to supply Class A and B drugs at one of these locations.
Police vow this is just the start of their mission to restore safety and peace in Westminster.
