Met Commissioner Leads Dawn Raids on Violent Robbery and Burglary Suspects in North London
Met Commissioner Cressida Dick boots up with officers at dawn raids targeting violent robbers and burglars across North London.
Three Arrests in Camden as Part of Major Burglary Crackdown
On Tuesday, 7 April, police executed three warrants at homes in Camden, nabbed three men suspected of burglary. The operation is part of a long-running probe into violent crimes targeting Londoners over the last four months.
Detectives from three Met Basic Command Units (BCUs) teamed up with the elite Flying Squad, following a string of offences spanning Central North (Camden, Islington), North (Enfield, Haringey), and North West London (Brent, Barnet, Harrow).
Violent Series of Robberies Span Months and Boroughs
The crooks had a distinctive MO. They targeted victims on their driveways, attempting to swipe pricey watches. Elsewhere, they smashed into vacant buildings to rip safes containing tens of thousands in jewellery. Victims were threatened with knives, batons, hammers, and even axes—a terrifying run of violent crime that started back in November 2019.
One standout incident occurred on 24 November 2019, in Courtleigh Avenue, Barnet: the trio smashed into a vacant property, ripped a safe from the wall, hurled it through a window, and made off with thousands in jewellery.
Details of the Bust and Arrests
- Warrants carried out at:
- George Mews, Camden, NW1
- Thornhill Road, N1
- Chester Road, N19
- Three men—one aged 24 and two aged 29—arrested on suspicion of burglary
- All held in custody at a North London police station
Commissioner Cressida Dick Speaks Out
“Even during this hugely challenging time for us all I want to reassure the public that the Met remains utterly committed to providing an excellent service to London. We are here. We will continue to serve our communities across the capital and remain focused on our number one priority – reducing violent crime on the streets of London. This investigation is an excellent example of how officers across the Met are working together to identify those intent on carrying out audacious offences, putting the lives of innocent members of the public at risk. Rest assured operations of this nature are taking place across London on a daily basis. The Met is a big, resilient organisation and we remain in a strong position to respond to the challenges posed by 1, whilst still focusing on what matters most to Londoners. Officers and staff across the Met are getting on with what we are here to do. The police are here for you and we will do everything we can to keep you safe, arrest those intent on committing crime, and ensure you do not become a victim of crime. I am grateful to the public and our partners for their continued support throughout these unprecedented times, and to officers and staff across the Met for continuing to provide the best possible service to London.”
