Operation Frostwatch - First week of action!

This week saw the launch of Operation Frostwatch, with Merton officers out early and late in some bitterly cold conditions from Monday 17th to Friday 21st of November.

Our aim was simple: to target drug supply, violent crime, dangerous driving and those who cause most harm in our communities exploiting the darker hours and seasonal influx in night time economy. Despite the frost and 7 am ice scraping on windscreens, our neighbourhood officers have worked exceptionally hard and delivered strong results. 

This week’s results – Operation Frostwatch

Some of the highlights we can share.

Wanted suspect off the streets – Officers on proactive patrol detained a person caught in the act of shoplifting. Checks in custody showed they were already wanted for several serious offences including arson, robbery and theft, as well as being recalled to prison. They were further charged for the new shoplifting offence.

Drug-driving stopped – A vehicle linked via ANPR to previous dangerous driving and failing to stop for police was located and safely brought to a halt after travelling through Mitcham. The driver failed a roadside drug test and was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving.

Drugs seized in Mitcham town centre – CCTV operators spotted suspected drug dealing. Officers moved in, and after a short foot chase a suspect was detained. Around 40 bags of cannabis and a quantity of cash were recovered from a rucksack. Initial concern from onlookers quickly turned to reassurance when they saw the drugs being removed.

Class A drugs and harassment breach – A man subject to a court order was stopped and searched. He attempted to discard suspected crack cocaine and aggressively resisted officers. Both he and the drugs were secured and he was arrested for possession of Class A drugs and obstructing a drug search.

Prolific shoplifter arrested – A repeat shoplifting suspect was observed shortly after being supplied suspected crack cocaine. He was detained and arrested for possession of Class A drugs, and valuable intelligence about local drug supply was gained.

Support to a colleague assaulted on duty – A Violence Suppression Unit officer was assaulted and pushed to the ground, causing a knee injury, after detaining a suspect for a drug search. Frostwatch officers, assisted by coordinating dog units and NPAS, and searching nearby wasteland. Around an hour later the suspect was found hiding up a tree and arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and obstructing a drug search. The officer is recovering well and remains on full duties. 

What’s next?

Operation Frostwatch will continue over the coming weeks until December 24th, focusing Mitcham, Morden, Wimbledon and Pollards Hill. Thank you to everyone in the community who has shared information with us, your reports directly help us to plan these operations and take action against those involved in crime and anti social behaviour. If you didn’t know, were having our New Met For London event at 1800 hours on Tuesday the 2nd of December, being hosted at, Ricards Lodge High School, Lake Road, SW19 7HB. Get your tickets here: Eventbrite Link: Community Crime-Fighting: Merton Tickets, Tue, Dec 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite Eveyrone is welcome!

Finally, If you have concerns about crime where you live or work, please speak to your local Safer Neighbourhoods team or contact us via 101 or our online reporting channels. You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers. In an emergency, always dial 999. Thank you and we’ll update you with the Operations progress next Monday. 

Your Figges Marsh and Cricket Green/Pollards Hill Ward Sergeants, PS Bower and PS Peppitt, can be seen in helicopter footage handcuffing the suspect, who quickly learned it wasn’t a good idea to hide behind gardens and scare residents! (Below)