Two illegal car meets of up to 100 drivers at Beckton Retail Park and Royal Albert Way were shut down by Roads Traffic Police, Safer Neighbourhoods, Metropolitan Special Constabulary and local enforcement officers on 18 and 25 September.

Following these two operations, six vehicles were seized for no insurance, two arrests were made for drink driving, 20 anti-social behaviour warnings were issued and 14 drug searches were conducted, resulting in two arrests for possession of cannabis.

“This kind of activity is highly disruptive and dangerous for residents and is often linked to other criminal activity”, said Councillor James Beckles, Cabinet lead for Crime and Community Safety.

Superintendent Ian Brown said: “As a result of residents raising concerns about illegal car meets, the Local Authority and the Metropolitan Police Service are working in close partnership to target those who choose to commit criminal acts with a range of tactics, including seizing vehicles, issuing anti-social behaviour notices and bringing prosecutions.”

Newham Council backed the idea of closing roads when necessary to assist the police in these operations across the borough.

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