Operation Hessian: Cops make 32 arrests in week of raids across Merton

Cops made 32 arrests in Merton this week after a series of raids on almost 40 properties.

Neighbourhood and specialist officers carried-out intelligence-led warrants at 39 properties in the area.

Class A and Class B drugs with an estimated street value of £200,000 were seized, along with 14 offensive weapons, a firearm and other high value items including cash. 

The ongoing operation, known as ‘Hessian’, has involved more than 600 officers since April 2024. 

It comes as part of the Met’s focus on community policing after residents raised concerns about serious violence in their area. 

Councillor Edith Macauley, Merton’s cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said: “Operation Hessian sends a clear message to criminal gangs that we won’t tolerate crime, drugs or violence in our community. 

“We’re determined to make sure Merton remains one of London’s safest boroughs and are joining forces with multiple partners, including the police, to act together to address residents’ fears about crime.” 

In total across the operation, officers have carried out 71 warrants, arrested 72 people, seized 14 firearms with ammunition and 62 offensive weapons.

The raids have also taken more than £620,000 worth of Class A and B drugs off the street and removed £1.4million in cash and other valuable items suspected to be the proceeds of crime. 

Since the operation began, Merton has recorded a 33 per cent drop in robbery and firearm offences. Violent crime resulting in injury has also decreased by 24 per cent and knife crime is down 14 per cent, according to the force.

Inspector Kevin Chambers, from the Met’s Merton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said:  ”We remain focused on tackling the crimes that cause misery to communities and our targeted approach is working to reduce violence and organised crime in Merton and across London.”

Pictured top: Class A and Class B drugs were seized, along with 14 offensive weapons, a firearm and other high value items including cash (Picture: The Met)