Police arrest 40 burglary suspects in dawn raid operation (From Times Series)

Police arrest 40 burglary suspects in dawn raid operation organised by Barnet officers

11:30am Thursday 5th July 2012 in News By Chris Hewett

Police raids in Barnet and across North London led to the arrest of 40 people in connection with burglary offences.

The operation, run by Barnet Police with the help of other Metropolitan Police forces and Barnet Council, targeted 52 addresses in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Some 400 officers stormed properties linked to burglary offences and recovered, among other items, two firearms from an address in Harlesden, 50 mobile phones and 20 laptops, all believed stolen.

In a statement, commander Mak Chishty, link commander for Barnet, said: "Today sees a significant arrest phase as part of the continued work being undertaken by Barnet officers.

“It forms part of the MPS's response to sustained burglary criminality in the borough.

"This operation is the culmination of a number of months' work and we hope it will play an important part in further reducing burglary in Barnet so residents can go about their daily lives feeling safer.

"It is also important that we acknowledge the role of Barnet Council, which has provided long-term support for this operation and a clear commitment to tackle criminality.

Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, said in a statement: "This successful operation comes as a result of close working between council officers and the police. There is no place for such criminality in this borough and we will continue to work closely with our partners to stamp out offences like this."