The Met police joined forces with detectives from Romania in an innovative clampdown on crime.

The seven detectives carried out patrols at Barking Station with Barking and Dagenham officers after a perceived rise in pick-pocketing.

They also helped to apprehend residents believed to have sublet homes in Barking and Dagenham.

The visit last week gave Barking and Dagenham Police a unique insight into techniques used by Romanian criminals.

The Romanian officers were also able to use their language skills to make contact with eastern European youths on probation.

Sgt Joel Coady, of Barking and Dagenham Police, said: “The visit by our Romanian colleagues has been very productive.

“Both my team and our guests learned a lot from the experience and it enabled us to gain information ‘fast time’. I would definitely consider a repeat of this initiative.”

A Met police spokesman added: “In response to issues with pick-pocketing in busy footfall areas, the Barking and Dagenham Police Safer Transport Team invited seven officers from Romanian Police.

“Visits were made to Romanian nationals believed to be involved in crime on the borough.

“These inquiries have previously been difficult due to the language barrier.

“During the visits two properties were found to be illegal sublets. Information concerning these properties has been passed to the relevant agencies at the council.”