Operation Hessian update

Operation Hessian update 

In late 2023 and early 2024, our local area saw an increase in serious violence, including four non-fatal firearm discharge incidents in Mitcham. We recognise that these incidents would have caused significant concern among residents and local businesses.

In response, Merton Neighbourhoods Officers launched Operation Hessian, a proactive operation aimed at disrupting those involved in serious violence, gang-related criminality and organised crime.

Officers from Mitcham Police Station, who police your ward, have worked tirelessly to identify offenders, develop intelligence, and act on information provided by local residents. This has involved obtaining search warrants, conducting detailed investigations, and carrying out targeted enforcement activity against those believed to be responsible for criminal activity affecting our communities.

Recent Enforcement Activity

As part of our latest phase of Operation Hessian, Late July, officers carried out a coordinated series of warrants and enforcement actions across Mitcham resulting in:

Working with Partners

We also carried out joint visits to nine local shops alongside Trading Standards, resulting in the seizure of a significant quantity of illegal vapes, tobacco and cigarettes as this is something that we learnt was effecting young people within our schools. 

Overall Operation Totals. 

Your local ward officers are committed to making our neighbourhoods safer and improving the quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and visits the area. Since April 2024, alongside responding to incidents, conducting high-visibility patrols, tackling anti-social behaviour, safeguarding vulnerable people, and making arrests, your neighbourhood policing team has carried out significant proactive enforcement activity to target those involved in serious criminality.

As a result, the team has achieved the following total outcomes to date:

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour Together

Whilst much of our work might seem to focus on tackling serious violence and organised crime, we also recognise the significant impact that anti-social behaviour can have on the day-to-day lives of residents. Persistent anti-social behaviour can cause distress, fear, and disruption within our communities, and we remain committed to addressing these concerns wherever they occur.

please continue reporting incidents and concerns to their local Safer Neighbourhood Team. The information you provide helps us identify problem locations, target our patrols, and work with partners to find long-term solutions.

You can contact your local ward team using the email addresses below:

Figges Marsh -  FiggesMarsh@met.police.uk   Pollards Hill - Pollards@met.police.uk     Cricket Green - CricketGreen@met.police.uk

Your local officers are here to listen and help. By working together and reporting concerns, we can continue to make our neighbourhoods safer, stronger and more pleasant places to live.

Thank You

I would like to thank the community for the information and support provided to officers. Intelligence from residents continues to play a vital role in helping us identify offenders, secure warrants and take positive action against those who cause harm in our neighbourhoods. If you have information about criminal activity in your area, please continue to report it to us. Together, we can make our neighbourhoods a safer place for everyone.

Kind Regards, 

                     Sergeant Matt Bower - Figges Marsh SNT.