Operation Big Wing makes 14 arrests in Barking and Dagenham

Suspected robbers, burglars and drug dealers were among those arrested in a major crackdown on crime on Wednesday.

Barking and Dagenham officers joined the London-wide Operation Big Wing in carrying out activity focused on arrests, search warrants and licensing checks.

Across the borough, there were 14 arrests made, 2 uninsured vehicles seized, 40 stop and searches made, 41 licensing visits, one cannabis warning and one dangerous dog seized.

Officers also conducted street briefings and police surgeries to inform the public on crime and disorder in the area.

Acting supt Mike Hamer said: “This operation has targeted both the violent offences that can increase fear of crime and the lower level issues such as anti-social behaviour that can make life miserable for the community. Big Wing has demonstrated to residents and businesses that we are listening to what they tell us and we are acting on the information they provide.”

Big Wing operations have been running since 2011 but the Met Police said this week’s was the biggest yet which saw 600 arrests made across the capital.

Incidents included a man suspected to have absconded from prison, the discovery of half a kilo of crack cocaine and the seizure of £35,000 worth of designer handbags.