Arrests Made After SW19 Unrest

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Police execute local search warrants

Police have made a number of arrests in Merton following unrest in Colliers Wood and Wimbledon on Monday night (August 8).

The most serious problems were at the Priory and Tandem shopping centres in Colliers Wood where at least three shops were set ablaze (see right) and many others looted.

But local police executed a number of search warrants in Merton on early on Thursday (August 11). A significant amount of property, believed to be stolen from local businesses, has also been recovered.

The suspected stolen property was included a variety of sports clothing, trainers, flat screen TV, children’s clothes and various electrical items. Other items recovered included substances believed to be Class A and Class B drugs.

Some of those currently in custody include: 

- an 18-year-old man from Mitcham, arrested for handling stolen goods;

- an 18-year-old man also from Mitcham, arrested for burglary and suspected possession of Class A drugs and Class B drugs;

- a 21-year-old Mitcham man, arrested for burglary and suspected possession of Class A drugs;

- a 20-year-old Mitcham man arrested for burglary;

 - an 18-year-old man from Tooting arrested for burglary;

- a 22-year-old woman from Plough Lane, Wimbledon, arrested for handling stolen goods;

- a 20-year-old woman from Wallington, arrested for incitement to riot, via social messaging media.

All those arrested are in custody at a south London police station pending further investigation.

They also reported that Wednesday night (August 10) was "relatively quiet" and policing levels are being reviewed on a daily basis.

Some shops in Wimbledon town centre, however, remained boarded up on Thursday.

Merton Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Dick Wolfenden (left) said: "Since my last update, much work has been done overnight in relation to identifying and arresting those responsible for Monday night's serious disorder in Colliers Wood.

"A number of search warrants have been executed locally by Merton police, leading to a number of arrests. A significant amount of property believed to have been stolen from local retailers has been recovered.

"Last night was relatively quiet with no outbreaks of disorder. Current policing levels are set to continue and will be reviewed on a daily basis.

I would like to thank the many members of our local communities and businesses who have been providing information to us about suspected looters and those involved in the violence, and supporting my officers and staff with so many messages of goodwill."

He said CCTV images from the wanted people would be released over the coming days and urged people with information to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11 or Merton Police via 101 any time.

Mr Wolfenden added: "We continue to work closely with our partners at Merton Council and I thank them for the extraordinary support they are giving us in so many practical ways.

"Finally many of my staff are tired, but we remain absolutely resolute in our shared desire to do all that we possibly can to continue to keep communities within the borough safe and prevent bad things happening to good people.

"As always, on behalf of all at Merton Police, thank you once again for the many messages of support we are currently receiving."

DI Donna Smith, Merton CID, added: "Today has shown that criminals have no hiding place on our borough. Those who took part in the shameful incidents of theft and disorder must now expect police officers to suddenly catch up with them, when least expected."

"This is just the start - if you've committed crimes, we are coming for you."

August 11, 2011