Cops launch operation to catch Croydon's burglars (From Croydon Guardian)

Cops launch operation to catch Croydon's burglars

6:30am Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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Croydon police carried out nine simultaneous raids to tackle a spate of burglaries across the borough.

Warrants were executed around Croydon as part of Operation Bumblebee, with officers targeting addresses with suspected links with burglary, stolen goods and drugs.

Eight people were arrested for handling stolen goods, money laundering and possession of class A drugs.

The raids were carried out by officers from Croydon’s Burglary and Drug Squads as well as officers from the Met’s Territorial Support Group (TSG).

They took place in “hotspot” wards for burglary in Upper Norwood, Broad Green, Selhurst, West Thornton and Croham.

An automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) operation was also set up in Long Lane, Ashburton, which targeted vehicle known to be connected with burglary.

A total of 42 vehicles were stopped with three vehicles seized by police for not having insurance and three fixed penalty notices handed out to drivers.

Officers were also out patrolling in hotspot areas on the borough using a combination of plain clothes and uniformed patrols to disrupt and deter would-be burglars.

Inspect Ian Anderson, who leads Croydon’s burglary squad said: “Yesterday’s activity is part of our ongoing efforts to tackle burglary in Croydon, but residents still need to help us by keeping their homes secure and telling us about suspicious activity in their area.

“There are still a high percentage of burglaries happening in homes with open windows or doors, and these can be prevented by simply locking up properly.

"It may also surprise residents that the little bits of information that they might not think twice about could really help us with our investigations in catching these burglars. Please get in touch if you see people acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood.”

Anyone with information can contact their local Safer Neighbourhoods team, call Croydon police on 0300 123 1212 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.