Arrests were made and thousands of pounds worth of scrap was seized in police raids.

Police and officers from the Environment Agency and Harrow Council visited homes across the borough today as part of a monthly day of action.

Around £6,000 worth of metal was seized after a man living in Charlton Road, Harrow, was found to be using his back garden as a scrap metal dealership.

Homes in High Street, Wealdstone, were checked by the Houses in Multiple Occupation team from Harrow Council and police.

One house, which had seven rooms, was being occupied by 12 people – with one room rented out for £1,000 per month.

The landlord will now be prosecuted.

Police also arrested a man living above a kebab shop who was found to be staying in the country illegally.

Acting police sergeant Simon Fretwell, who runs the operation, said: “This is another successful partnership day of action, ensuring we remain the safest borough in London.

“Working with the Environmental Health agency and Harrow Council HMO teams, we have today prosecuted many offenders.

“Anyone found committing crime in our borough will be dealt with robustly.”