Police crackdown on vicious gang members and drug dealers (From Harrow Times)

Operation Valiant: Police crackdown on vicious gang members and drug dealers

1:50pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News By Anna Slater

Officers smashed down doors in the early hours of this morning as part of an operation to crackdown on vicious drug dealers and gang members.

The operation was part of a London-wide crackdown called Operation Valiant.

No arrests were made during the raids at Montrose Avenue, Wealdstone, James Bedford Place, Hatch End and Greenacre Close, Northolt but officers hope it will send out a “clear warning” to drug dealers and those taking part in gang lifestyles.

Chief Inspector Russell Hughes, said: “It is important to show the community that the police are taking action against drug dealers, and even no arrests were made, we sent out a warning to people taking part in gang lifestyles.”

William Goddard, media and public relations manager for Harrow police, praised the police for “putting their lives at risk.”

He said: “The work that was done today was fantastic. The police officers are potentially putting their lives at risk but that’s their job - it’s an unknown situation because they don’t know what’s behind that door.”

Councillor Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative party, also praised the police’s approach to the raid.

“They acted so professionally and it’s fantastic that they are helping the community feel safe again. We received positive feedback from the residents in the areas of the places we were raiding who are pleased we are trying to stop criminality in Harrow.”

She added that even though no arrests had been made, she is confident there will be in the future.

“Everybody who belongs to a gang who lives in Harrow needs to know that the police are watching you, and will deal with you.”