Met Police Crack Down on North Westminster Gangs in Dawn Raids
The Met is hitting back hard on crime with a powerful new tactic called Clear, Hold, Build. Officers teamed up with partners to hunt down gang members terrorising north Westminster.
Ten Arrests in Early Morning Raids
In a bold move on Tuesday, 28 February, Specialist Crime officers swooped in during early hours, making ten arrests linked to a violent gang involved in firearms offences, city lines drug dealing, and exploitation.
So far, the crackdown has seized:
- 4 firearms
- 61 rounds of ammunition
- 43kg of cannabis
- 5.5kg of cocaine
- 3kg of heroin
- Around £50,000 in cash
An earlier phase of the operation saw 27 others arrested on suspicion of weapons possession, drug offences, and violence.
Operation Targeting Violence and Drug Gangs
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Mahoney, lead of the operation, said: “This is months of intense focus on a violent gang. This raid is a key step to clear the area and break the cycle of misery and violent crime they cause. We’re working side-by-side with neighbourhood teams, gang units, and Specialist Crime to hold these streets tight and stop others from moving in. With this united approach – which goes beyond just enforcement – we’re confident communities can build a brighter future.”
Cllr Aicha Less, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council, added: “We’re determined to keep residents safe and Westminster welcoming for everyone. Big thanks to the Metropolitan Police for taking gang crime off the streets. There’s no place here for criminals. By working with residents, victims, and partners, we make sure communities feel proud and stop young people falling into gang traps.”
Clear, Hold, Build – A Strategic Crime-Fighting Blueprint
Designed by the Home Office and backed by the Policing Inspectorate, Clear, Hold, Build is reshaping how crime-hit areas get turned around:
- Clear: Police hunt down and remove gang members from the area.
- Hold: Officers and partners keep control to prevent rival gangs filling the vacuum.
- Build: Collaboration with community groups offers support to reduce crime vulnerability.
As part of this, the Met is teaming up with Westminster Council and charity Bounceback to steer young people away from crime through training and paid jobs.
The latest raids saw eight men (aged 21-29) arrested on suspicion of conspiring to possess firearms with intent to endanger life, plus two more arrested for suspected intent to supply Class A and B drugs.
