POLICE made 10 arrests during a major crackdown on wanted criminals in Hounslow last week.
Officers raided several addresses on Monday (December 12) and Tuesday as part of the London-wide operation Big Wing.
They arrested people for a variety of offences, including shoplifting, vandalism and drugs possession. There were 444 arrests made across the capital as part of the operation.
On the Tuesday, police attempted to crush the recent growth in metal theft, which has affected everyone from church members to train passengers.
They visited two major metal recycling plants and buyers at 11 other sites in the borough, warning owners about buying possible stolen scrap metal.
The week of action culminated last Wednesday (December 14) when police united with firefighters, street cleaners and council officers to tackle problems in Hounslow High Street.
Safer Neighbourhood officers stationed around the town centre stopped more than 100 vehicles, seizing five because the drivers had no insurance.
They also patrolled the town centre on the lookout for crime, reassuring shoppers and even finding time to reunite a two-year-old boy with his parents.
Council officers inspected street traders to ensure they were complying with the terms of their licences and firefighters visited shops to advise owners how to reduce the risk of fire.
Ambulance crews also got in on the act, offering shoppers health advice and trying to sign up vilunteers.
Chief Inspector Rob Wilson, who led the operation, said: "This was a fantastic effort by all the emergency services, the community safety team and the local authority. We have worked together to make Hounslow a safer place to work, live and travel through.
"More than 50 officers from different agencies have come together on this day of action to enforce the law and provide reassurance and advice to shoppers in the town centre. "Our work together today and over the coming months should make a real difference to the citizens of Hounslow."
