Hackney Police make 24 arrests during operation to crack down on licensing and theft

Hackney Police made 24 arrests in February during Operation Falcon, a major crackdown on crimes relating to licensing of venues, anti-social behaviour, underage selling of alcohol and theft.

Officers patrolled Shoreditch and Dalston on February 8, 15 and 22 in partnership with Hackney council’s antisocial behaviour team, London Fire Brigade (LFB), the Met Police’s drugs dog unit and volunteer police cadets (VPC) to target licensed premises and disrupt pickpockets.

Two of the arrests made include possession with intent to supply drugs and possession of a large number of fraudulent bank cards.

Officers also arrested eight people for theft from the person offences.

Insp Ian Simpkins from Hackney’s licensing/night-time economy team, said: “Operation Falcon has seen some excellent results involving various partner agencies.

“Licensing impacts on our everyday life, in our shops and supermarkets. This means alcohol should not be sold to young people, and in our pubs and clubs it means alcohol is sold and consumed in a responsible way.

“We also remain determined to pursue and arrest perpetrators who prey on those who use the night time economy, who would steal from others, supply harmful drugs or would do them physical harm.”

Cllr Sophie Linden, cabinet member for crime, said: “This operation shows the strength of the partnership between the police and the council. By reminding pubs and clubs of what they should be law be doing and acting on tip-offs and local concerns, officers achieved some great results and have helped make Hackney safer.”