Violent Crime Taskforce Nab Two Knife Carriers in NW London
Armed cops from the Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) made two arrests and seized deadly weapons on separate patrols across North West London.
Knife-Wielding Teens Caught in School Zone Sting
At 3.40pm on Wednesday, 7 October, officers targeted Cricklewood Broadway, NW1, hunting drug dealers preying on school kids. Using insider knowledge, they descended on a notorious alleyway. Two suspicious youths tried to bolt but were swiftly caught.
The younger lad, just 14, was found carrying a “ring knife.” He got arrested for possession of an offensive weapon but has since been released under investigation. The boy is now enrolled in the Met’s Divert programme, which steers young offenders away from crime and into jobs or training — a scheme that’s helped over 380 youths find work in the last year alone.
The second teen, aged 16, was released with no further action.
Late-Night Stop Nets Another Knife Carrier
Later that evening at 8.10pm, VCTF officers stopped a suspicious car on Harlesden Road. The driver, a 24-year-old man, was searched and caught with a large lock knife. He was arrested and then released as the investigation continues.
Police Praise Proactive Patrols Fighting London’s Knife Crime
Police Sergeant Iain Hardman from VCTF 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 found during our proactive patrols. The officers on this team are hugely dedicated and work hard to keep London safe.”
