Eighteen people were arrested and a number of weapons seized on Friday, May 1, after a major police operation cracking down on crime in Greenwich.

Working with Greenwich Council, Met officers carried out the operation in Thamesmead, Greenwich, Woolwich town centres to "disrupt, deter and detect criminal activity."

Officers carried out 'visible enforcement activity', including patrols in targeted areas, and despite the lockdown measures, 18 people were arrested.

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Amongst the offences were possession of drugs with intent to supply, possession offensive weapons, possession of a bladed article, handling stolen goods and assaulting an emergency worker.

Cllr Danny Thorpe,the council leader, said: “We are always pleased to work in partnership with the police, and even with the current pandemic, together, we continue to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour so Royal Greenwich can remain a safe place for all."

The taskforce said a number of the individuals arrested have now been charged or otherwise released on bail pending further enquiries.

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Cllr Jackie Smith, cabinet member for community safety, thanked the police, council enforcement officers and CCTV officers for the "essential work" they're doing to keep the borough safe.

"We welcome the additional policing activity across the borough and will continue to work together with all of our community safety partners to tackle those individuals who blight our communities," she added.

If you experience or witness a crime, please call 101 or report it online at www.met.police.uk/ro/report/.