Family home suspected of housing a cannabis factory

A family home in Kilburn was the first address raided by police in Brent as part of a London-wide clampdown on ‘low-level’ crime in the community.

Operation Big Wing will see suspected criminals across all 32 boroughs targeted today as part of the coordinated activity cutting down on crime and disorder blighting local neighbourhoods.

Officers will also be carrying out licensing enforcements, Automatic Number Plate Recognition operations and high visibility patrols across Brent and London on the whole.

This morning the Times witnessed a search warrant being executed at the Victorian terrace home, just off Kilburn High Road, following concerns from locals that it might be home to a cannabis factory (see video above).

The family living at the address are known to the police and they have previously been arrested for drug offences.

Further raids will be carried out at a string of addresses in the borough throughout the day.

Chief Superintendent Simon Letchford, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: “Gang violence, drugs, and knife crime are serious, high harm crimes that can sadly have a devastating and lasting effect on local communities; however, there are also many other issues which might be seen as ‘lower level’ offences, such as anti-social behaviour or uninsured drivers, that we know can and do blight the daily lives of too many people.

“Today’s operation is about showing Londoners that we have listened to their concerns and we are committed to taking robust preventative and disruptive action to stop this criminal activity and make their communities safer. It’s also about warning those intent on breaking the law and engaging in criminal activity that we will be doing everything we can to stop them, and wherever possible we will be putting them before the courts.”

Police will also be holding street briefings and police surgeries to inform the public on today’s activities.

Chief Supt Letchford added: “All members of the public are encouraged to engage with the officers, get some crime prevention advice, and ask questions.”

More to come soon.