The Weapons Crime Pilot focuses on reducing knife crime and increasing visibility in the area. To achieve this, and to enhance operational effectiveness, local officers have received specialised training in procedural justice and stop-and-search techniques.
The initiative also incorporates a blend of high-visibility and plain clothes tactics, supported by additional resources such as the Territorial Support Group (TSG) and police dogs.
The first quarter of the operation, which will run until the end of September 2024, has already yielded encouraging results. Since the pilot’s launch, Croydon town centre has seen a:
- 27% reduction in robbery
- 68% reduction in knife-enabled robbery
- 14% reduction in knife crime
During two key days of action, the operation involved a total of 80 officers, resulting in 18 arrests. Notable arrests included one for possession of an offensive weapon following a stop and search, and another for possession with intent to supply cannabis after a vehicle pursuit.
Multiple drugs and vehicles were seized, and six arrests were made for breaches of Community Protection Notices (CPN). The enforcement of CPN breaches with the aim to apply for Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) ensures persistent offenders are kept out of the town centre.
The Weapons Crime Pilot will continue into the next year, with further dates of action planned. Future operations will include the use of Live Facial Recognition and mounted branch units to enhance crime prevention efforts.
For further information visit: https://www.met.police.uk/
