Vigilance has learnt that a five-week intelligence led operation, targeting wanted offenders, thieves, road traffic offenders, taxi touts and those handling stolen goods and drugs, has taken place at Heathrow.
This has led to a 31% decrease in crime in the same five-week period versus last year.
42 people have been arrested for a range of offences including, immigration, drugs, public order and minor road traffic offences.
Quantities of Class A and B drugs, cash, laptops and duty free items such as perfumes, have been seized.
The operation, which was run by the Heathrow Crime Squad and supported by industry partners, airlines and unions, used a wide range of tactics including:
- Searches on incoming flights;
- Stopping vehicles using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to identify uninsured drivers, rouge taxi drivers and stolen cars;
- Increased high-visibility patrols at the terminals;
- Shoplifting patrols;
- Terminal and cargo area searches;
- Three search warrants executed at homes in Surrey, Feltham and Hounslow to find stolen goods.
Sergeant Nick Tungatt, of the Heathrow Crime Squad, said: "The Christmas and New Year period is, historically, a time when the airport experiences an increase in theft offences. The operation successfully drove down the overall rate of crime at Heathrow and is testament to our continued commitment to tackling crime throughout the year at the Airport.
"As a result of this operation, two prolific offenders, one shoplifter and one bag thief, have been arrested, charged, and have received custodial sentences.”
Chief Inspector Matt Twist, warns: "This operation was about turning intelligence into robust police activity, and working with our key partners to gain crucial information on criminality.
“We will take every opportunity, however slight, to disrupt criminals at the airport, and remind them that we, and the airport community, will not tolerate their actions."
Since the operation ran, 29 people have been charged with various offences and are now subject to court proceedings. Two were cautioned and one received Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND).