Police carry out search warrants in East London to catch looters
Police led a series of raids across Tower Hamlets this morning as part of the operation to catch those involved in the London riots.
Officers from the Met conducted five search warrants - the first of more than 100 - at addresses in Tower Hamlets and Hackney as part of Operation Withern, to recover stolen property and arrest those involved in recent incidents.
Four arrests were made for offences involving handling stolen goods and burglary, and all suspects are currently in custody at London police stations.
Police also seized a quantity of men’s and women’s designer clothing.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Kavanagh said: “In the early hours of this morning we started knocking on doors to arrest people.
“We have got more than 100 warrants which we will be working our way through over the coming hours and days.
“With so many officers on duty we want to use their time by going out there and arresting burglars, robbers and thieves - those people who cause concern and crime in our communities.
Most Read
- 1 Guilty: Man murdered woman at bus stop and tried to kill another a day later
- 2 Archie Battersbee case to be reconsidered in High Court
- 3 £28k worth of illegal tobacco seized from containers and shops during raids
- 4 Jailed: 8 east London offenders put behind bars in June
- 5 Bethnal Green officers sacked over 'abhorrent and discriminatory' messages
- 6 1888 Match Girls’ Strike marked with blue plaque in east London
- 7 Three stabbed in Chrisp Street chicken shop
- 8 Police officer sacked for 'turning blind eye’ to criminal husband
- 9 Former Tower Hamlets councillor publishes autobiography on life as a hijabi woman
- 10 Bow Lock murder defendants blame each other for fatal attack
“Some of those warrants are also directly linked to Operation Withern’s ongoing investigation.”
Detective Inspector Rob Kidd said: “If you know of anyone who was involved in the past few nights disorder, criminal damage or looting please let us know.”
Anyone with information call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
