Police arrested 34 people in a coordinated day of action against criminals using the roads to travel across nine London boroughs and Essex.

One person was arrested in Havering for going equipped to steal as part of Operation Lockdown, on January 20.

The operation aimed to target offenders using the road network across east London and involved the Roads and Transport Command, Automated Number Place Recognition Units, Territorial Support Group and Mounted Branch.

The 38 arrests were made following 387 stops and 148 searches.

Police also seized 22 vehicles for a variety of motoring offences and carried out 11 drug seizures.

Temporary chief inspector Martin Kirby, from Barking and Dagenham Police, led the operation.

He said: “This time we have also focused on violent and gang offenders.

“I was keen to ensure each borough’s plan incorporated the local knowledge obtained from our Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

“My aim has been to provide a reassuring presence within our communities and to tackle criminals using our roads.”