Met Cracks Down on Knife Crime in Croydon and Bromley
The Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) teamed up with local cops for a ten-week blitz to tackle a recent surge in stabbings across Croydon and Bromley. From February to April, they launched patrols, weapon sweeps, and used specialist drug dogs and ANPR tech to keep streets safe.
Massive Arrest Haul and Weapons Seized
- 289 stops led to 154 arrests for carrying offensive weapons and intent to supply Class A drugs.
- Officers recovered one firearm and 29 knives during the operation.
- In Penge, two men caught with drugs led police to a stash of over £18,000 in cash.
- In Bromley, a car linked to criminal damage revealed a machete, baseball bat, and slingshot packed with ball bearings.
- A Purley house search uncovered a gun and large amounts of suspected Class A drugs, resulting in two arrests.
VCTF Inspector Praises Team Effort
Inspector Leon Coltress, VCTF, said: “We swiftly deploy highly trained officers to tackle emerging violent crime anywhere in London. The results in Croydon and Bromley speak for themselves. Our work has seriously dented violent crime in the area and highlights the power of intelligence-led stop and search. “Residents have seen officers actively preventing and responding to crime, helping communities feel safer. We must all work together to protect our neighbourhoods.”
Get Involved – Help Stop Knife Crime
This joint effort involved Violence Suppression Units, Dogs Support Unit, Armed Response, and Roads and Transport Policing Command.
If you know someone caught up in knife crime, do the right thing. Give information 100% anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers. No tip is too small – your info could save lives and protect families.
