Police: You make the call for action against drug dealers

A police crackdown on street-level drug dealers will rely on Barking and Dagenham residents for tip-offs, the local force said.

Over the next few weeks Operation Hawk will see officers across London carrying out daily operations targeting dealers as part of the Metropolitan Police’s total war on criminals and crime.

Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, working with specialist colleagues, will be at the forefront of the intiative.

“Drug dealing damages communities. It generates crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour,” said Ch Supt Andy Ewing, borough commander for Barking and Dagenham.

“Community intelligence passed to us will be dealt with as quickly as possible and carefully assessed before any action is taken. We will then tell communities what action we have taken to address these issues.”

Estimates show that between a third and a half of all theft is committed by offenders to fund drug use, added Ch Supt Ewing.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.