A FAKE gun was seized and more than a 100 people were screened at a knife arch in a borough-wide police campaign.
The clampdown, named Operation Streethawk, saw more than 130 police officers and council staff targeting known cirminals and carrying out random checks last week.(15/16)
Police stopped and searched 87 people and set up the knife arch in central Hammersmith. There were five arrests and two vehicles were seized from known offenders.
Class A drugs and an imitation firearm were also seized from a flat.
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Foley, of Hammersmith and Fulham CID, said the initiative sent a strong message to criminals who carry dangerous weapons.
He said: "Operation Streethawk has demonstrated the ability of all Hammersmith and Fulham borough officers and staff to work closely with our strategic partners to target and disrupt criminals.
"Over 130 officers and local authority staff have been engaged in combating street robbery and burglary through proactive operations, execution of warrants on known offenders and robust patrols.
"Weapons, drugs and stolen property have been seized and offenders will be brought before the courts."
The search came as council leader Stephen Greenhalgh prepared to take up his role as deputy mayor for policing under London mayor Boris Johnson. Mr Greenhalgh has pledged to tackle knife crime and gangs in the role.
He said: "Londoners can expect to see us tackling crime with more targeted police initiatives like the Met’s 1,000 strong gangs task force.
"The eyes of the world will be on the capital in this Olympic year and I relish the challenge of working closely with the Met police to drive down crime and to build stronger, safer neighbourhoods throughout the city."
