Twenty people were arrested this morning on a day of action in Merton where police are carrying out a “total war on crime”.

Early morning raids on the Phipps Bridge estate, in Mitcham, were carried out after Merton police raided the addresses of “high risk” people suspected of being linked to drug dealing, gangs and violence.

A police spokeswoman said a suspected crack house had also been closed in Pincott Road, Colliers Wood, with help from Merton Council.

This morning, 20 people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, burglary and theft.

To reinforce a “zero tolerance message” on unlicenced cars being parked in the street, police also showed off an uninsured Jaguar car outside Wimbledon station that they had seized and wrapped in tape.

Merton’s borough commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Williams, thanked the London Crime Squad who had prepared the groundwork for today’s raids over several months.

Det Ch Insp Williams said: "My strategic aim today was to remove criminals, particularly violent criminals from the streets of Merton.

“We will do everything in our lawful powers to robustly pursue opportunities against criminals and support the community and the wider public.

"Criminal behaviour ruins the lives of law-abiding people who live, work and travel to Merton.”

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