Police were out in force in the borough yesterday (Thursday) as part of Operation Hawk – a London-wide crackdown on neighbourhood crime.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) were using intelligence to target drug dealers, perpetrators of anti-social behaviour and other criminals.

The latest available data from the operation shows that SNTs in Havering had executed nine drugs warrants, arrested nine people for a variety of offences and seized five hauls of drugs, including one at a cannabis “factory” in Mawneys ward.

There were also extra patrols in Town Centres and Selecta DNA – which marks burglars with ink which shows up in UV light – was installed at venues in Harold Hill.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe said: “The idea is that we take our intelligence to a magistrate ask for a warrant and ‘put the doors in’ as quickly as possible right across London.

“It’s a renewed emphasis on Safer Neighbourhoods teams making the most of local intelligence and acting on it.”

SNTs in the borough also stopped more than 60 vehicles in relation to metal thefts, stopped more than 100 people for speeding and traffic offences, and stepped up anti-burglary patrols.

Mr Hogan-Howe added: “Operation Hawk demonstrates Total Policing at its best, working directly with the people we are here to protect.

“Communities are likely to see more operations of this kind from their Safer Neighbourhoods teams, who, through their ongoing engagement, will continue to address local crime and safety concerns to help make London safer.”

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: “Criminals beware - we’re stepping up a gear to crack down on the drug dealers, burglars and thieves that make our lives a misery.

“Operation Hawk means our hard working Safer Neighbourhoods teams will be keeping an even closer eye on crime hot spots.”