Police operation targets illegal alcohol and cigarettes and 'beds in sheds'

Officers raided shops along Rayners Lane and, with the help of Trading Standards teams, seized large amounts of untaxed and illegal cigarettes and alcohol, along unsafe toys.

In one shop, thousands of loom bands were seized as the packaging had not been carried out to UK standards.

Counterfeit goods were also seized, including several fake Samsung tablets.

Police also raided several houses and discovered six addresses - including two in Capthorne Avenue - had been broken up into shared houses without authorisation.

Two more ‘beds in sheds’ were also found by police in Exeter Road.

One man was also found hiding inside a garage, which had been converted into a flat, trying to evade arrest.

All shops caught selling illegal goods and owners of unauthorised shared houses will be prosecuted.

Police also targeted drivers using their mobiles in Alexandra Avenue.

Rayners Lane areas were also cleaned, with rubbish and graffiti removed by the council's community payback teams.

Acting police sergeant Simon Fretwell said: "Today is another successful partnership day of action.

“I am proud to run such operations across our Borough and I will continue to work with my fantastic partners to bring offenders to justice.

“We have been able to make Rayners Lane a safer and cleaner place, assisting in our overall commitment to keeping Harrow the safest borough in London.”