More than 280 Met Special Constables join the fight to suppress violence in London.
More than 280 Met Special Constables (MSC), volunteer officers with the same powers as regular police officers, were out across London this weekend, focussed on targeting prolific violent offenders.
During the day of action on Saturday, 18 April, the MSC carried out arrest enquiries to track down high-harm offenders, weapon sweeps and high-visibility patrols in violence hot spots:
– Three high-harm wanted offenders were located and arrested for failing to appear at court for violence-related offences
– 12 arrests were made for drug-related offences
– 15 weapon sweeps were conducted
– One knife was recovered
– Three drug seizures were made.
Some MSC worked alongside officers from the Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce during ‘Op Kaiser’, an ANPR operation that saw MSC conduct vehicle stops to speak to motorists and carry out searches, with the aim of disrupting those involved in violent crime using the road networks.
This was based in Vauxhall, Blackfriars and Tower Bridge and resulted in a further eight arrests for offences including drug driving, possession with intent to supply, theft of a motor vehicle and driving with no licence or insurance.
James Deller, Assistant Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary, said: “These results showcase our commitment to tackling violence and keeping our communities safe.
“Days like this are not only about enforcement but also act as a deterrent. I hope these successes reassure the public that despite the current pandemic we are in, all officers – including Met Special Constables – are still out there on the streets of London, preventing crime and protecting lives.”
John Conway, Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary, added: “It was great to see first-hand the excellent work of the Special Constables to support policing across London. I would like to thank all our Special Constables for continuing to volunteer their invaluable time to serve the communities of London and make London safer.”
We need to hear from anyone who has information about crime, those who carry a weapon, or those who exploit others for gain or revenge, while putting young people’s lives at risk. Community intelligence can be used to great effect to not only detect, but also prevent crime, keep London safe and save young lives.
If you don’t want to speak to the police, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They are a totally independent charity and you remain 100 per cent anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or device you use. Alternatively, visit their website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
If you are worried about someone you suspect may be carrying a knife or other weapon, advice and support is also available through organisations including Knife Free https://www.knifefree.co.uk/get-help-support/ and Fearless: https://www.fearless.org/en.
The Met is currently recruiting and you can join us as a constable, a special or a volunteer. If you would like to do something real then join the service: www.met.police.uk/careers/
