Police have raided addresses in south London as part of an investigation into an alleged gang of young robbers, believed to be responsible for up to 50 incidents in Wandsworth, Tooting and Streatham over the past nine months.
Detectives described the gang's leader as a 'Fagin-type' character who controlled a group of at least 20 youngsters. Ten males, aged between 14 and 25, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and remain in custody at various south London police stations.
Many victims were aged 13 to 16 and were robbed of mobile phones and other belongings. The gang also targeted lone females and, on several occasions, shops. Stolen electronic goods, including laptops, mobile phones, smart phones and SIM cards, as well as two knives, were found during the searches.
Detective Superintendent Gerry Campbell said: 'Offenders should be in no doubt that robberies and violence which brings misery to individuals and our communities will not be tolerated. We are absolutely resolute in our determination to tackle violent crime in all its forms and make London safer.'
Properties in Wandsworth, Lambeth, Merton and Croydon were raided on Tuesday morning as part of Operation Target. Seven women, aged 14 to 17, were arrested in May and bailed in connection with the inquiry. Since the operation was launched on 8 June, there have been 2,005 arrests for offences including burglary, robbery and possessing firearms.
