Wandsworth Police have caught a number of repeat offenders by adopting similar tactics used to capture infamous gangster Al Capone.

Twenty four people have already been arrested during The Safer Places operation, which targets individuals who are in regular contact with police for burglaries, robberies and phone snatches.

The operation has seen police ramp up checks on TV license payments, car tax and benefit claims in a bid to catch criminals.

Two people have been arrested for energy fraud while three have been caught for having no TV Licence.

There are also four pending arrests of offenders for non payment of fines warrants.

A family has been evicted, with seven others under notice of seeking possession, with the council potentially taking action depending on court proceedings.

One offender is also seeking help on getting into a drug rehabilitation programme.

Inspector James Ellis, Battersea neighbourhood inspector, said: "We are not just targeting individuals, we are targeting their area and where they live.

"If people rob or steal they are not going to pay their tax disc - they will be looking to do anything they can for benefit of themself."

American gangster Al Capone was finally convicted on United States federal charges of tax evasion.

The operation launched on October 10 and will run until December 31.

 

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