Thirty arrested in police crackdown on knifepoint robbers targeting children in Croydon
Around 30 suspected robbers targeting school children for their smartphones and valuables have been arrested during a police crackdown in south London, leading to a 72 per cent drop in offences.
Croydon Central MP Sarah Jones raised concerns about a rise in violent muggings some at knifepoint, the lack of police at transport hubs and poor street lighting.
Offenders are typically males aged 14 to 17, operating in teams of two to three members, and wearing balaclavas and surgical face masks to conceal their identities.
The Metropolitan and British Transport Police forces swamped the area with officers, including the mounted branch, under Operation Zoedone.
Of arrests, 18 were for robbery or knife possession.
In February, personal robbery offences across Croydon borough fell by 23 per cent overall compared to the previous four-week period and there was a 72 per cent decrease in the town centre.
Ms Jones said operations will continue in a bid to reduce attacks on pupils on their way to and from school in these areas more permanently.
She added: “I have been talking to police for some time about my concerns and I am pleased to see that the police’s actions have resulted in this significant decrease in the robberies of our school children here in Croydon and across south London.
“Having discussed this with parents, it was clear that significant steps needed to be taken.
“The journey to and from school should not have to be a dangerous one, and these traumatic experiences can have long lasting effects.
“I am pleased that the police responded with speed, and it is clear their actions have had an immediate impact.
“We must be clear that this is by no means the end of these problems, and we have to make sure that such proactive measures are maintained.”
Further discussions are taking place with Transport for London to ensure safety around train, tram, and Tube stops and on buses.
Another initiative ‘Trapeze’ sees officers focused on engaging young people in the borough during school holidays and giving them crime prevention advice. This includes a QR code they can scan to register their phone and help police identify stolen property.
