Redbridge Action Week sees multi-million pound seizures

First Redbridge Action Week (RAW) hailed a success for disrupting criminal activity, after police recover more than £5m worth of stolen vehicles.

RAW brought together 20 enforcement teams from the council who partnered with the Metropolitan Police and the British Transport Police to disrupt criminal activity across Redbridge.

The action week saw 31 arrests, 162 fines issued and warning notices served to both businesses and individuals through a range of enforcement and intelligence-led activity. Key highlights included:  

• 51 weapon sweeps, seizing four firearms and zombie knives off the streets
• Seized over 10, 000 illegal cigarettes and more than 2kg of hand rolling tobacco
• Recovered several million pounds worth of high-end vehicles; stolen from burglaries
• Increased Anti-social behaviour patrols, issuing 162 fixed penalty notices across the borough
• 10 unannounced spot checks on food premises to ensure food and hygiene standards are being met. Two premises closed due to food safety standards not being met
• 162 businesses visited by Redbridge enforcement teams and the Business Improvement District (BID) to educate, and ensure compliance to business licenses.
• Drug dealers apprehended through 24hr CCTV
• 17 E-scooters seized

RAW also worked with residents to host the first Redbridge Women’s safety walk on Monday 26 July, where almost 50 women came together to highlight areas where they felt unsafe. This collaboration allowed the council and police officers to hear first-hand how positive changes could be made. The council also increased street cleansing, and cleared shrubbery in its efforts to deter anti-social behaviour in local communities and parks.   

Cllr Khayer Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Crime, Safety, & Community Cohesion, said:

“Over the last week, resident would have seen enhanced enforcement and police patrols taking place across the borough. As well as focusing on crime, we have been working on trading standards, housing standards, and environmental health, taking comprehensive action to improve the quality of life for residents.

This week of action is the first of many that will take place over the coming year. From tackling anti-social behaviour to smashing down organised crime networks, our intention is to show total zero tolerance to crime in Redbridge. We will work with all of our partners – the Metropolitan Police Service, British Transport Police, and others – to make our streets safe for residents.”” 

Acting East Area BCU Commander, Det. Supt Paul Trevers, said:

“East Area BCU were excited to support Redbridge Council in their week of action. We have done all we can to enhance community engagement, whilst offering crime prevention and disruption, as well as outreach and support work.

“Local communities saw a greater visible presence but can also be assured that many plain clothed and covert officers were deployed in support of our objectives to make the Redbridge and East Area a safer place.

“I am pleased to say we have had much support from central units including the Territorial Support Group, Mounted Branch, Dog Section as well as Roads & Transport Policing Command, the Violent Crime Task Force and ANPR Units.”

A lot of the proactive activity during RAW took place as a direct result of our residents reporting issues and problems, so please continue to use the correct channels to report your concerns.

Please report non-emergency issues to the police by calling 101, online or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.