Police action to target domestic violence led to a string of arrests as part of a wider operation to tackle a range of crimes.

Barking and Dagenham Police’s Operation BigWing saw six arrests for domestic violence and a further 11 for other offences including theft, assault, robbery, drug possession and fraud.

Officers stopped 45 vehicles and four fines were issued by traffic police during the crackdown.

Test purchasers also visited 13 licensed premises to check that knives, alcohol and cigarettes were not being sold to underage customers. They found that no illegal sales were being made.

Licensing officer Pc Andy O’Connor said: “Police understand the levels of anti- social behaviour that can be generated by sales of alcohol to underage buyers.

“I was very pleased to have visited so many retailers and have no illegal sales made to our test purchasers.”

The latest phase of Operation BigWing focused on arrests of people wanted for domestic violence offences, but also targeted crimes the public have told police concern them most.

The operation on November 21 also included crime prevention information stands at Heathway and High Road, Chadwell Heath, and leafleting of areas affected by certain types of offending.

Martin Kirby, chief inspector of Barking and Dagenham Police, said: “Operations of this kind send a clear message.

“If a warrant is issued for your arrest, police will eventually catch up with you.

“Anyone who thinks it is okay to abuse a family member, spouse or partner can expect police attention.”

He added: “While arresting wanted offenders will always be part of our standard daily business, we are also working hard to provide the information that the community need in order to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime.

“I would like to thank the communities of Barking and Dagenham for their support throughout this phase of Operation BigWing during which efforts were made to keep inconvenience to the law-abiding public to a minimum.”