Police arrest 11 in Barking and Dagenham clampdown

Police made a string of arrests following a licensing clampdown.

Three people were held for intent to supply drugs, one for possessing an offensive weapon and three for public order offences in Barking and Dagenham at the weekend.

Police also issued two warnings for prostitution, arrested three motorists for drink-driving and two vehicles were seized for no insurance.

Police made another arrest for going equipped to commit crime during an operation in parks.

Officers carried out late-night visits of licensed premises, clamped down on rogue drivers and kerb crawling and searched commuters at Barking Station.

Almost 300 people were held as part of Operation Condor, conducted throughout the capital with the help of London councils.

Chief Insp Richard Goodwin said: “Through regular initiatives illegal sales and counterfeit goods are kept to a minimum.

“We will continue to work together to challenge all illegal behaviour that seeks to victimise the communities of Barking and Dagenham.”

Police teamed up with council officers carrying out operations at off-licences, scrapyards, pawnbrokers and betting shops.

Off-licence workers were challenged over six under-age sales of alcohol and 15 bottles of counterfeit alcohol were seized.

Officers also visited schools to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking alcohol to excess.

Barking and Dagenham cabinet member for crime and justice, Cllr Jeanne Alexander, said: “Together we are sending out a clear message that we will not accept this kind of illegal activity.

“I am grateful to all officers who worked on Condor, our streets are safer as a result of their work.”