Hunt For Colliers Wood Looters

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Police release CCTV images

Police have released images of people seen looting and wrecking shops in Colliers Wood during the recent night of disorder.

Merton police have already made more than 40 arrests and executed 24 search warrants, with more in the pipeline.

As a result substantial amounts of stolen property have been recovered. But they released the images on Saturday (August 20) with the hope of tracking down more offenders.

The image on the right shows crowds outside the Tandem Centre as police units arrived on Monday August 8.

For more images of people apparently helping themselves to property, many from the GAME store, see below. One hooded offender is even seen carting goods away in a child's pushchair.
 
Merton Superintendent Pete Dobson said: "There are many people who thought they were getting away with blatant theft, burglary and arson who now in custody facing trial. I am really keen to arrest all those responsible for these crimes and holding them to account for what they have done.

"I'd like to thank all those in our community who have helped police to identify offenders and I hope that the release of these images will result in even more arrests. I will be following up every single piece of information we are given no matter how long it takes."

Merton Council Leader Councillor Stephen Alambritis added: "The police did an amazing job in very difficult circumstances and I was proud at how well the council and the police worked together to bring justice to the trouble-makers who caused damage to our borough. I know police officers are going through hours of CCTV footage to make sure the culprits are appropriately punished for their actions.

"We have a very strong working partnership with the police as well as the London Fire Brigade, which also played an integral part to making Colliers Wood safe following the incidents of looting and arson.  We are still one of London's safest boroughs and that is testament to the high level of co-operation between the council, police and other services. Together we continue to work for a safe borough which people are proud to call their home."

If you have any information about people who took part in these crimes, or if you recognise anyone in the images below, please call Merton CID on 0208-649-3206 or Crimestoppers in confidence 0800-555-111.

August 20, 2011