Scotland Yard arrests 145 amid year-long crackdown on south east London violence

Scotland Yard has arrested a total of 145 people and seized 56 weapons in a year-long crackdown on violence in south east London.

The join operation with British Transport Police and Kent Police was launched in August last to tackle crime around transport hubs.

During the 12-month effort, daubed "Operation Avara", officers used tactics like stop and search as well as covert assets, knife arches and drug dogs to bear down on violence in the area.

The teams seized 56 weapons including three firearms, 36 knives and 17 other weapons including police-style batons and knuckledusters.

The arrests varied from individuals wanted for robbery, burglary, sexual assault and possession of firearms.

In one instance, officers stopped one man travelling with a military-style commando knife.

The knife was immediately seized and the man was arrested. He was sentenced to 12-weeks in prison.

Chief Inspector Mick Chattenton, of the Met South East Command Unit, said: “This work has been so successful that we now plan to run the operation proactively for the foreseeable future.

“During August alone we made 20 arrests, these were for offences such as possession of an offensive weapon and for drug supply.

“We will continue to be out in force at transport hubs around south east London over the coming months.

Superintendent Chris Horton, of the British Transport Police, said: “Preventing serious violence and knife crime on the rail network remains one of the highest priorities for BTP, and we are committed to ensuring everyone has a safe journey.

“By using knife arches and stop and search powers in a controlled way, we’ve been able to seize over 50 weapons before they’re used to potentially take a life. Fortunately, assaults involving a weapon on the railway are extremely rare, and operations like this are part of our commitment to keeping our network safe.”

Anyone with information about a crime, someone they suspect of carry a weapon or organised crime should contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.