In excess of 200 laptops, a large amount of valuable camera equipment and drugs were seized during an operation in north London.

The estimated value of the stolen goods seized is estimated in excess of £250,000.

On Monday, 24 September, officers from the Venice Investigation Team carried out search warrants at four addresses in Haringey and Enfield following reports of handling stolen goods. Approximately 200 laptops and photographic equipment were seized at the addresses as well as £950 in cash and 80 wraps of suspected cannabis.

Detectives have so far been able to identify the owners of 18 of the laptops after they were reported stolen and are trying to identify the other owners. Those victims who used traceable liquid and serial numbers were able to recover their stolen property.

Detective Sergeant Mark Cooper, said: “Following our engagement work with the local community, we identified addresses believed to be used for handling stolen goods. We found a number of high value items such as laptops and cameras and are keen to identify their owners.

“Please record your serial numbers and consider using traceable liquid. We can return the goods to you and identify you as a victim of the stolen property.”

Five males were arrested:

A 17-year-old boy [A] from Haringey was arrested and charged on Monday, 24 September with one count of theft from a motor vehicle. He was remanded to appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 September.

An 18-year-old man [B] from Haringey was arrested on Monday, 24 September on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.

Two men [C – 36yrs; D – 32yrs] from Enfield was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. They were both released pending further investigation.

A 25-year-old man [E] was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and released pending further investigation.

Officers would advise people to mark their postcode on property with an ultra violet marking pen and consider using a forensic property marking solution such as SmartWater. This will make it easier to return if it is stolen.

Register your devices on www.immobilise.com to help police return recovered stolen property and combat the sale of stolen goods.

For further crime prevention advice, please visit our website for further details.