Met Police Crack Down on Violent Crime in East London
The Met’s Violent Suppression Units (VSUs) went on the offensive across East London on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 February, targeting dangerous offenders with weapon sweeps and community patrols. The operation zeroed in on hotspots including Ilford, Barking, Ilford Lane, and Valentine’s Park.
Big Team Effort Nets Huge Haul
The VSUs were backed by a swarm of elite squads: the Road Crime Team, Firearms Command’s Trojan Unit, Dog Section, Mounted Branch, and the British Transport Police, among others. Multi-Agency Tasking (MAT) units also pitched in along with Redbridge council officers to tackle local issues head-on.
Results were impressive:
- 13 arrests for serious offences like possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, offensive weapons possession, and grievous bodily harm
- Seven weapons seized during ten weapon sweeps
- Drugs, over £5,000 in cash, and seven cars taken off the streets
- 50 people slapped with Fixed Penalty Notices for breaching coronavirus rules
High-Octane Stops Lead to More Arrests
On 5 February, officers stopped a car on Victoria Road, Barking after it tried dodging police. The driver was caught with a knife tucked into his waistband and fake documents in the car. He was arrested and charged.
Later the same night, an ANPR camera flagged another vehicle reported stolen. Police pulled it over and discovered the driver was wanted for multiple serious crimes including burglary, dangerous driving, and drug offences.
Sergeant Praises Teamwork, Calls for Public Help
“This two-day operation has been a real team effort across the Met and produced great results, working together to achieve our priority of bearing down on violence,” said Sergeant Nick Hancock of the East Area VSU.
“The use of ANPR helped us spot vehicles of interest and stop criminals from using road networks to carry out illegal activity. We’ve arrested high harm offenders and prevented more harm to their communities.
“Areas plagued by violence and robbery blight local residents’ lives. We are out every day working to make London safer. This surge has helped speed things up. Our efforts will continue throughout 2021.
“We cannot do this alone. We need the public to come forward with any info, no matter how small. Contact us in confidence or via the independent charity Crimestoppers – it’s 100% anonymous.”
Your Tips Could Save Lives
The Met urges anyone with information about knife carriers, violent offenders, or exploiters putting young lives at risk to step up. You can call 123. Community tips help police catch criminals and protect London’s streets.
