41 Arrested In Dawn Raids In South-East London

Police have arrested 41 people in a series of dawn raids across south-east London.

The arrest are the culmination of a two-year "pro-active operation to dismantle organised criminal networks suspected of committing hundreds of offences including burglary, theft, fraud, motor vehicle crime, drug dealing, money laundering and violent crime," police said.

40 men and a woman were arrested following raids at 53 addresses in Bexley, Lewisham, Greenwich and Bromley during this morning's coordinated action.

They have been arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including conspiracy to burgle, supply of Class A drugs, conspiracy to supply firearms, handling stolen goods and fraud and have been taken to police stations in central and south London where they remain in custody.

The operation is ongoing and searches are continuing at a number of addresses where items seized so far have included drugs and computer tablets.

South Area Commander Simon Letchford said:"More than 700 officers from across the Met are out in force to support this operation today, demonstrating our commitment to tackling organised crime in all our neighbourhoods, where ever it occurs in London.

"When we identified a rise in burglaries and other acquisitive crime in the Bexley area we set out to identify those responsible who were creating misery to local people whose homes were being burgled and property stolen.

"Throughout the investigation we have combined innovative and tenacious policing techniques with good, old fashioned detective work to identify, disrupt and arrest the criminals responsible for bringing misery to local people. This has included targeting handling chains of people who are willing to buy and sell stolen goods, creating a market for this criminal enterprise."

(MH/IT)