Joined up policing

18 July 2003

Dozens were arrested in Earls' Court last week in one of the biggest interagency law enforcement operations ever seen in the Capital. Officers from more than 25 agencies joined the two-day crackdown, designed to test the effectiveness of enforcement partnerships.

Forty-one people were arrested in connection with thefts, deceptions, immigration offences, offensive weapons, prostitute 'carding', drugs, public order offences or because they were on the "wanted list".

Hundreds of other enforcement actions led to significant seizures and arrests. Thousand of litres of alcohol and counterfeit goods were seized, including a case of counterfeit 'vodka' believed to contain high levels of methanol. Drug sniffer dogs were employed to identify suspects carrying drugs on public transport and over 7,000 passengers were checked for fare evasion.

The Chief Executive for the Royal Borough, Derek Myers said, "Although Earls' Court is not a high crime area, the fact that it is a transport hub, together with its busy mix of hotel and retail businesses, makes it an ideal place to conduct this kind of operation, giving all the agencies something to get their teeth into."

Borough Commander, Moir Stewart said, "As a policeman, I can't help but be delighted by the results. This was a valuable exercise for Earl's Court residents. I am very pleased by the outcome."

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