Nine arrested during operation to tackle robberies in Barking

One man was arrested in connection with two burglaries and one robbery

Police have arrested nine people in Barking during an operation aimed at reducing robberies in the area. 

Officers carried out enhanced patrols in Barking Town Centre, Barking Park, the Gascoigne Estate and Faircross Parade between Thursday, 7 January and Wednesday, 20 January. 

On the first day of the operation, they arrested a man and woman for breaching crown court bail conditions.

A man was arrested for obstructing a drugs search and assault on police the next day. Officers also detained another man for possession of cannabis, obstructing a drugs search and driving without insurance. 

On Thursday, 14 January, a male was detained for handling stolen goods and obstructing police. 

Officers also arrested a man who was wanted in connection with two burglaries and one robbery after spotting him in Station Parade. He has since been charged with those offences and fraud. 

Another man was arrested for going equipped to commit burglary on Monday, 18 January. Officers later found he was wanted in connection with another burglary and charged him for those offences as well as six counts of shoplifting. 

On Wednesday, 20 January a male was arrested for assaulting a police officer and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs in Barking Town Centre. 

During the operation, officers conducted 26 stop and searches and issued one cannabis warning, two cannabis fixed penalties and four community resolutions for possession of cannabis in Barking Park. 

They also stopped a Mercedes in Upney Lane which had five occupants, including one who is known to be involved in the sale of drugs. All five were all issued fines for breaching Covid regulations. 

The vehicle was being driven without insurance and by a male who did not have a valid driving license. 

“While initially aimed at robbery offences, this operation has resulted in the arrest of offenders for a variety of crimes,” said Police Sergeant James Kent, of Longbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team.

“The police activity has removed a significant number of offenders from the streets of Barking in a relatively short time and this is something that will we repeat whenever the opportunity arises.”

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