A swift police response in Shrublands, Croydon, led to the seizure of multiple weapons, including machetes with blades up to 20 inches long, after officers disrupted a group filming a music video.
Suspicious Vehicle Alert Leads to Police Intervention
The operation began when PC Lewis Stuart alerted officers from the Proactive Unit Task Force to reports of a suspicious vehicle in the Longheath Gardens area on Wednesday, February 12.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a group filming a %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% video. As they approached, two males discarded a lock knife and attempted to flee the scene.
Machetes and Weapons Recovered
A further search of the area uncovered additional weapons, including:
- Lock knives
- Machetes, some with 20-inch blades
These dangerous weapons were seized by officers, but no arrests were made at the scene in connection with the machetes.
Ongoing Investigation
The Metropolitan Police's South Area Command (%%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% MPS) confirmed that further investigations are underway to determine whether those present had any links to criminal activity.
Police Statement and Community Reassurance
In a social media update, %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%% MPS praised the proactive efforts of officers, stating:
“Thanks to the officers for their swift %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%% in helping keep the community safe.
Local residents have welcomed the action, as concerns over knife %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% and gang-related violence continue to grow in the area.
Public Appeal for Information
Anyone with information about illegal weapons or suspicious activity is encouraged to report it to %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% via:
? Call 101 or in an emergency dial 999
? Report anonymously via %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% at 0800 555 111