Met Targets Crime In Huge Crackdown

A major new crackdown by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) against robbers, burglars and violent criminals begins today.

Operation Target, which is one of the most significant initiatives of its kind ever conducted by the MPS is a renewed drive to tackle crime against people and property in London leading to significant, long term reductions.

The sustained campaign, which kicks off today with a series of operational activities, increased patrols and enforcements, brings together all the Met's specialist resources, skills and people to support local police tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, allowing the public to go about their daily lives feeling more confident and safe.

Specialist MPS teams, such as the Flying Squad, Traffic and Mounted Branch will be supporting borough policing units to deliver the operation. Covert and overt tactics, and intelligence-led interventions will be used. Specialist investigation teams will help trace and arrest wanted or suspected robbers and burglars, while increased presence on the streets will be achieved through extra uniformed patrols at key areas.

Analysis shows the initial 'Target' areas, while geographically making up just 2% of London, constitute around nearly a third of all London's street robberies and most serious violence; 15% of residential burglaries and 20% of non-res burglaries.

Assistant Commissioner Ian McPherson, head of Territorial Policing for the MPS said: "Operation Target is to be the largest and sustained crackdown against crimes such as robbery, burglary and violence ever conducted by the MPS. While robbery and burglary are still relatively low in comparison to previous years we are determined to cut these offences further.”

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: "We're cracking down on the perilous criminality that can devastate people's everyday lives and there is no room for complacency. Burglars, robbers and drug dealers should take heed as their crime funded life styles may soon be ending. I've seen first hand today the immense hard work that goes into carrying out policing operations and I have every confidence that Target will be a complete success. The raids this morning will have an immediate effect on the hundreds of local residents who have been living under a cloud of fear."

(BMcN/GK)