Criminal gang members in South Kilburn could be booted out of their homes

Gang members and their families could be booted out of their homes following a series of dawn raids across South Kilburn this morning.

Officers have stormed 15 addresses so far as part of a clampdown on suspected drug dealers in the area.

Police discovered a cannabis factory at one addresses in addition to crack cocaine, heroin and cash at a number of other properties.

Further raids will be carried out throughout the day and so far 10 males age between 17 to 25 have been arrested and are in custody.

The raids were carried out as part of Operation Grissino led by the Met’s Trident Gang Crime Command and Brent Police.

Detective Superintendent Simon Rose from Brent Police, has warned gang members that officers are working with social landlords to secure the eviction of residents who have breached their tenancy by indulging in crime.

He said: “This was a pre planned operation. Operation Trident have been assisting Brent police for some time to secure the evidence for the arrests today.

“This however is only the first step. We will be seeking anti social behaviour orders (ASBOs) to further disrupt the criminality of the suspects as well as working alongside the housing associations to secure their evictions where we can prove a breach of tenancy. We will also be following this up with further search warrants and arrests from the evidence gathered today.

“If these individuals will not change their behaviour we will pursue any legal avenue open to us to imprison them, prevent their criminality or disrupt their behaviour.”

The intelligence–led initiative is part of Operation Dozza which targets criminal gang members from South Kilburn and their rivals in the Mozart Estate in Queen’s Park.

Both gangs are locked in a vicious feud which has resulted in a catalogue of violent attacks.

The Times was at the scene where two neighbouring homes in Pentland Road were stormed by Brent Police and Trident officers.

A search of both properties uncovered a quantity of crack cocaine and heroin.

Two youths from each address were arrested for supplying class A drugs.

The pair were also arrested on suspicion of committing Grievous Bodily Harm in connection with the stabbing of a man in Paddington last week.

The victim, from the Mozart Estate, was ambushed in a convenience shop and knifed.

He is recovering from his injuries.

Detective Superintendent Lloyd Gardner, from Trident Central Gangs Unit, said: “Today’s operation is a prime example of how the Trident Gang Crime Command can directly support local policing. Since the launch of the command almost a year ago we have worked with boroughs across London to target the most ‘high risk’ gang members.

“Our message to gang members is - If you are willing to change your ways - then we will work closely with boroughs and partner agencies to help you leave a gang and direct your energy into something more positive.

“However if you choose to continue living a gang- related criminal lifestyle then we will target you and every aspect of your criminality.”

As part of the operation a weapons sweep took place in the area and leaflets about the operation are being delivered by Safer Neighbourhoods officers, council wardens and estate wardens.