45 arrests as the Met crackdown on crime in Kilburn

More than 40 people have been arrested and 74 illegal e-bikes seized as the Metropolitan Police continues to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in north west London.

A week-long operation saw more than 50 officers deployed on extra patrols on Kilburn High Road, warrants carried out at a number of addresses and licencing checks at stores suspected of selling illegal goods.

Traffic stops also resulted in three arrests. This part of the operation targeted e-bikes, e-scooters and mopeds in response to concerns from residents and business that they were being driven illegally in the area and being used for crimes.

A stop site was set up to pull over those using two-wheeled vehicles. Checks were carried out with the driver and the legality of the bikes.

As a result:

• More than 1,000 suspected stolen phones were seized following the execution of warrant at a shop in Kilburn, double the amount of phones which were initially suspected. Four men were arrested on suspicion of handing stolen goods and possession with intent to supply drugs.
• Two machetes more than 50cm in length were seized in a barbershop in Kilburn High Road. Two men were seen entering the store by an off-duty officer. They were both arrested.
• A van was spotted at the stop site which had connections to drug dealing. Officers intercepted the van and more than £3,000 worth of nitrous oxide cannisters were seized.

Inspector Yu Zhang, who led the operation, said:

“This crackdown has seen drugs, weapons and dangerous illegal e-bikes taken off the streets. We know these offences are ones that our communities care about, and they want to see officers taking robust action.

“We have done exactly that, this week-long operation will disrupt the criminal networks in Kilburn, ensuring the area is undoubtedly safer for the community.

“This builds on the work we have already been doing in the North West, with neighbourhood crime cut by 6.4 per cent over the last year.”

As a result of the activity:

• 45 arrests were made for offences including possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of offensive weapons and shoplifting.
• 74 vehicles were seized
• Eight weapons were seized, including machetes and knives.
• 1,161 stolen phones were seized

This work is part of the Met’s commitment to take weapons off the streets and protect the public from serious crime.

In 2025 alone, the Met seized 2,894 knives and 3,750 weapons, a 75 per cent increase on the previous year.