POLICE are hailing the success of a serious crime initiative.

Operation Undercard ran in the borough from July 27 to August 9 and sought to tackle the most serious violence with high visibility policing including specialist resources from across the Met.

More than 55 arrests have been recorded for offences such as drugs, theft from vehicles, immigration, robbery, burglary and offensive weapons reported in all wards of the borough.

Detective Sergeant John Arnold, based with Ilford CID, said six warrants were executed for drugs offences and people wanted for burglary or assault.

He added: “Operation Undercard has produced excellent results in the past fortnight within Redbridge Borough having a marked impact on Robbery and most serious violence.

“We have taken offensive weapons from the street, tackled drug possessions and supply, targeted burglary and robbery nominals.

“Tackling public disorder has positively reduced the fear of crime. Public Safety with regard to vehicle offences has been actively reduced and also persons wanted by the courts included in officers deployments.”