Operation Gambler sees joined-up action against crime
Havering Council joined local police recently on a cross-borough operation, Operation Gambler, targeting car thieves, burglars and other crime and anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Ciaran White, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, attended
As did Chris McAvoy, head of the Council’s Head of Enforcement and Community Safety, along with S92 police officers from the Havering Task Force, funded by the Council.
It was another successful operation, which saw 27 arrests for a number of offences including the handling of weapons, burglary, possession of stolen goods and Class A drugs.
The operation, which took place over two evenings, also saw nine stolen vehicles found.
Councillor White said: “Operations like these are so important to keep our residents as safe as possible.
“This is a great example of sharing of information and the partnership working of the police across Havering and our neighbouring boroughs.
"It will continue to help to tackle crime and towards the prevention of crime.”
The operations are run and co-ordinated by both Metropolitan and Essex police forces, using officers from the Havering Taskforce and the Road Crime teams.
Also involved are officers from the East Intercept Team, known as Spiders, traffic and dogs teams, plus special constabulary.
Sergeant Ben Tanner, Havering Police, said: “This is a long running and successful operation between ourselves here in the Metropolitan and Essex Police.
“The operation targets criminals who cross our force boundaries with the intention of committing crimes such as robbery, burglary and supplying drugs.
“To date the operation has secured more than 700 arrests overall with numerous stolen vehicles, weapons and drugs recovered.”