Operation Haldor

Good afternoon,

Between Tuesday 21st July - Tuesday 28th July 2026, Merton Safer Neighbourhoods carried out enforcement activity across the Borough under Operation Haldor to disrupt organised criminality which blights our communities. 

As a result, the following was achieved -

23 warrants executed 

20 arrests

3 Closure Orders secured

16 offensive weapons seized

5 Section 5 Firearms seized (CS Spray)

Large quantities of Class A and Class B drugs seized to the approximate value of £27,000

In addition to the above, we also executed a fast time warrant at a Mitcham address prior to the dates above, which resulted in x3 further arrests, an ongoing drug supply criminal investigation and an additional Closure Order at a problem address.

What this means for Merton, is that there are 16 less offensive weapons and 5 less firearms in the wrong hands on our streets, which will reduce the risk of harm. The disruption to the local drugs market is key to tackling the associated crime, violence and ASB associated to the use and supply of drugs, as well as providing an opportunity for the Police and other services to safeguard young and/or vulnerable people, at the risk of exploitation. 

The four Closure Orders have been secured against four persistent and problematic premises, which were having a negative impact on the local neighbourhood. We will now work closely with the relevant Housing Associations to ensure there is a long term approach to prevent any future reoccurrence at these premises. Two of the premises were in Lavender Fields ward, one in Pollards Hill ward and one in Figges Marsh ward.

We will continue to work alongside the community, listening to your concerns and working in partnership with the Local Authority and other external partners to tackle local issues and keep Merton safe. Crime in Merton continues to reduce and I believe operations like this play a key part in those reductions. 

I hope this update offers you some reassurance that your local teams are listening and will continue to take a robust approach in line with our ongoing commitment to community crime fighting. 

Thank you all for your continued support

Police Inspector Kevin Chambers