Admin l Tuesday, October 27, 2020
LONDON, England – Not less than 850 suspects have been arrested by the London Metropolitan Police as part of continued drive to tackle violent crime in about four months.
The arrest was carried out across all London boroughs combined with specialist teams such as Violence Suppression Units; the Violent Crime Taskforce; Operation Venice and Roads and Transport Policing. Together they have amplified their ongoing activity to identify and pursue these offenders.
Between 1 July and 26 October, 873 high harm offenders were arrested across the MPS and efforts continue throughout the Autumn Nights campaign to bear down on violence.
“The suspects are classed as high harm as they are either wanted in connection with violent offences such as robbery and GBH, or they are wanted for other offences but they are known to have a violent background”, the Met Police said, adding that those declared wanted are individuals who are being actively sought and suspected of committing or being involved in crime.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Hill, from the Violent Crime Taskforce, said:
“Some of London’s most prolific and dangerous individuals have been taken off the streets in what has been a truly Met-wide effort.
“Targeting wanted individuals is not new activity and we are always arresting high harm offenders as a business as usual policing approach. It is crucial to seek out those we believe to be involved in violent offences in order to keep communities safe.
“This enhanced activity to target wanted individuals linked to violence was born out of the pandemic and continues as part of the annual Autumn Nights campaign.
“The public will continue to see significant operational activity to deter offenders from returning to crime and to suppress violence in all its forms”, he said adding that communities also have a vital role to play in tackling violent crime urging anyone who may have information to inform the police .
“We need information about crime or those who carry a weapon, or those that exploit people for gain or revenge, while putting young people’s lives at risk. Community intelligence can be used to great effect to not only detect, but also prevent crime, keep London safe and save young lives”, he said.
