POLICE in Croydon have seized class A & B drugs, drugs paraphernalia and suspected stolen mobile phones and Oyster cards as part of Operation Big Wing - a major day of London-wide coordinated activity to cut crime.
The event started at 6am when six search warrants were executed by uniform and plain-clothed officers across the borough.
Officers also carried out several arrest enquiries and a total of 28 people were arrested throughout the day on suspicion of various offences - including robbery, burglary, assault, domestic violence offences, criminal damage, immigration and possession and supply of drugs offences.Police were given their operational briefings out on the streets - and several local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams (SNTs) held street briefings to speak and engage with residents about local issues of crime and antisocial behaviour.
Croydon Council Licensing officers teamed up with the Croydon Police Licensing Unit throughout the day to carry out various licensing visits and checks.
Two meat shops in Thornton Heath High Street and Brigstock Road were reported for public health offences, which will be followed up by Croydon Council.
Volunteer Police Cadets also assisted Croydon Trading Standards with alcohol test-purchasing operations at 10 licensed premises across the borough with all premises correctly refusing to sell alcohol to the underage cadets.
Croydon Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Richard Wood said:
"Operation Big Wing is about showing those who live and work in Croydon that we are listening to their concerns and that we're committed to taking robust preventative and disruptive action to stop criminal activity and make their communities safer."