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300 arrested in dawn raids on violent crime
Justin Davenport, Crime Correspondent25 Nov 2008
POLICE launched mass raids across London today in a crackdown on domestic and hate crimes.
Up to 300 people faced arrest in the early morning operation codenamed Operation Athena in which almost 500 officers were involved.
Raids were taking place in all 32 London boroughs and a spokeswoman said: "This sets out to transfer the fear onto violent offenders while encouraging more victims to come forward by increasing public confidence."
A similar operation in May resulted in 336 arrests. Commander Mark Simmons, the head of the Met's Violent Crime Directorate, said: "We are sending out a clear message to the men and women of violence that their behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
"Today's activity is just one part of the Met's work to protect vulnerable victims."
Reader views (6)
Unfortunatley this actions message came too late for yet another young life to be taken in a homophobic murder of my friend David Cooper(28yrs)on the 19th November 2008 at his own home! Friends have set up a memorial for David on Face Book, (r.i.p. David Cooper) Feel free to leave a message of support for his family and his many friends.
- Stuart, Greenwich, SE London, 25/11/2008 20:13
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Of course not Ranter, next we will here is that they have had their human rights breached and millions in compo has to be paid from public funds.
- George, London UK, 25/11/2008 19:34
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Good copperin'. Well done
- Paul, Bromley, Kent, 25/11/2008 19:22
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Ranter should change his name. What he writes is plain common sense.
- Richard, London, London. UK, 25/11/2008 17:40
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Why wait until today? Surely they should have been arrested as soon as the police have enough evidence. What a circus!
- John, North London, 25/11/2008 16:45
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As ever the clue is in the police commander's sound bite statement. Nice bit of publicity but will the action be transferred into charges and successful prosections? Will proper sentences be given by the courts? Will the illegal immigrants involved (and there will be many) be deported? Will convicted criminals and their families be evicted from their socially funded homes? Will proper action be taken to seize convicted criminal's assets? Will we ever see the real results of such clear publicity stunts published or is the headline and sound bite the only real objective?
- Ranter, Maidstone, UK, 25/11/2008 12:24
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