A new Safer Neighbourhoods Team has seen results since it was set up to specifically tackle crime on Barking and Dagenham’s housing estates.

The team is made up of 20 officers who began patrolling estates on April 3.

Officers within the group have already arrested three drug dealers, seized a variety of drugs, arrested and charged two robbers and arrested a number of individuals wanted on warrant.

On April 16, the officers raided an address in Beam Avenue, Dagenham where around 100 cannabis plants were seized. A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene. He is currently on police bail pending further enquiries.

The team is divided up with each group working on their designated estates seven days per week, 14 hours per day. They operate alongside existing Safer Neighbourhoods Teams but form their own distinctive unit that tackles crime and challenges anti-social behaviour on the council-owned housing estates in Barking and Dagenham.

Estates that the team cover include Leys, Goresbrook Village, Thames View, Millard Terrace, Harts Lane, Heath Park, Marks Gate and the Scrattons Farm Estate.

As well as providing a visible presence on the streets, the team also focus on disrupting criminal activity and carrying out search and arrest warrants.

Inspector Richard Thomas said: “This new police team is providing a significant visible presence on our estates. They are reducing crime, cutting down on vandalism and making the public feel safer.”

Borough Commander Gary Buttercase added: “These extra officers, dedicated to the estates owned by the council, not only make residents safer, they also feel safer. The team are working hard to place fear of crime back where it belongs - with the criminal.”