Police across London raided homes in a crackdown on low-level criminality Photo: Bill Konos

Police made two arrests in early morning raids in Lewisham as part of a city-wide operation against thieves who target the public’s phones and other valuables.

More than 7,500 officers were out in force on 25 July across London’s 32 boroughs
as the Metropolitan Police continued its rolling Operation Big Wing, which focuses efforts to reduce low-level criminality including theft and drug dealing.

In Hither Green police teams raided two properties making two arrests on Murillo Road, off Lee High Road, for possession of class B drugs.

Commander Stephen Watson, leading the operation, said: “Today is about the Met delivering a highly visible, targeted operation using a huge range of tactics to stop thieves. Crimes like burglary, robbery and theft have a huge impact on the people who are victims.

“By targeting those people responsible, plus the networks they use to sell on stolen property or trade for drugs, we aim to make our streets a hostile place for them to operate.”

The Met said officers will be carrying out street briefings, high visibility and plain clothes patrols in robbery hot-spots, weapon sweeps, licensing checks and crime prevention events at transport hubs and shopping centres, with officers advising the public about how to keep their valuables safe.

According to the Metropolitan Police total crime in London continues to fall and although personal robbery is down, theft offences remain a challenge, with personal theft up by 14.4 per cent comparing June 2011- May 12 with June 2012-May 2013.

The police believe the overall increase has been due to London experiencing a surge in mobile phone theft over the past year which increases the figures for personal theft.

Lewisham police have yet to confirm if the two men arrested are to be charged.