Thirteen arrested after day long crackdown on crime (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Thirteen arrested after day long crackdown on crime

5:17pm Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News By Lauren May, Chief Reporter

Thirteen people have been arrested after a day long crack down on crime.

Operation Big Wing, a  London wide operation, saw more than 7,500 officers take to the streets this morning to carry out a series of crime prevention initiatives.

So far thirteen people have been arrested in Merton for offences including possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, handling stolen goods, sexual assault, burglary, theft and domestic violence.

As part of the operation officers carried out search warrants and licensing checks, made arrest enquiries, patrolled transport hubs and carried out automatic number plate recognition checks to target uninsured or stolen vehicles.

Officers have also carried out street briefings and surgeries throughout the day to explain to the public about what is being done to tackle crime and disorder in the borough.

Elsewhere, the Wanted Missing Person's unit, based in Merton and set up in 2012, helped track down and arrest a wanted criminal as part of the operation.

Tony Peter Steele, 35, absconded from HMP Stanford Hill on the Isle of Sheppey in 2009 after being convicted for dangerous driving.

This morning officers stormed a property in Arrol Road, Beckenham, where Steele was found hiding in the loft of his partner's house.