Joint operation gets crime off streets in Edmonton

Moree Way in Edmonton was a hive of activity last Thursday as the area was the centre of a joint operation by officers from the Metropolitan police, Enfield Council and PCSO’s in the Estates Unit.

The area had suffered from anti social behaviour from several youths who had been hanging around in the area, wearing stab vests, for some time now. After complaints from residents, it was decided that a day of action was to take place to blitz the area.

To make sure the area was clear for officers, Enfield Council’s Housing team made sure the area was clear of obstructions, by cutting back all overgrowing shrubs and long grass. This proved invaluable later in the day.

On the Thursday officers from the Operation Blunt Task Force, traffic police and dog handlers combed Moree Way and executed two warrants in the area, this led to the questioning of five men. Several other youths were also questioned who were found hanging around in the vicinity.

During proceedings a dog handler saw three youths run off and jump into a river to avoid police. Officers gave chase and eventually the youths were stopped in Silver Street in Edmonton. They were searched and eventually let on their way.

Then the Control Room informed officers that they had a call regarding a burglary nearby, a sweep of the estate was conducted by Safer Estate Officers, and at the rear of the estate on the grass a quantity of jewellery was found, some still in their boxes. The fact that all the grass had been cut short earlier made searching so much easier. It was established that one of the youths who were stopped earlier had two jewellery boxes on him; further enquiries linked these two boxes to the robbery.

The Edmonton home of the suspect who was found with the two boxes was searched, and two young men were arrested. There is one further youth with enquiries outstanding.

In addition, the Estate’s Unit also stopped a man who it later transpired had missed his court appearance, he is due to be arrested, one man was stopped for possessing cannabis and there were 28 stop and searches.

Cllr Matthew Laban, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety said “This day of action shows what good positive joint working achieves when the police, Enfield Council and the Estate’s Unit work together.

“Local residents had contacted us expressing concern about the level of anti social behaviour in Moree Way which was being perpetrated by youths.

“By working together we managed to arrest two men for robbery, recover stolen goods, and also send out the clear message that we will do whatever is necessary to make the streets crime free for our residents.”

This document was last updated on 2008-09-16 10:36:49 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_133313