Topic overview
In brief
- The Metropolitan Police conducted Operation Gallium, targeting gang-related crime in Lambeth and Southwark.
- The operation resulted in nearly 300 arrests and the seizure of 38 dangerous weapons.
- Police aim to reduce gang violence and improve community safety through proactive measures.
Summary
In a significant operation targeting gang-related crime in London, the Metropolitan Police executed a series of raids across the boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark. This initiative, known as Operation Gallium, took place within a week and aimed to address the rising tensions and violence associated with local gangs. The operation resulted in nearly 300 arrests and the seizure of 38 dangerous weapons, highlighting the police's commitment to tackling serious crime in the area. The operation was prompted by a notable increase in gang-related incidents, including ten homicides recorded in these boroughs between January 1 and June 3, 2026.
The police's proactive measures included conducting 233 stop and searches, which led to 40 arrests. The operation was particularly focused on removing dangerous drugs and weapons from the streets, as well as apprehending known gang members who have been linked to the surge in serious youth violence. The police reported that knife crime in Lambeth and Southwark had decreased by 18 percent in the year leading up to June 30, 2026, but gun crime had seen a rise of 5 percent and 11 percent respectively. This juxtaposition of crime statistics underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in these areas.