SIX MEN HAVE been arrested in an operation launched by the Metropolitan Police Sexual Exploitation Team began Operation Grandbye at the start of November in an attempt to safeguard young girls in Newham.
The Operation began after concerns grew about groups of girls, some as young as 13, who were hanging round Stratford Shopping Mall with groups of older men. The Metropolitan Police worked with The Children’s Society as well as businesses and security teams from the mall.
Despite the arrests, this is an ongoing project – aiming primarily at safeguarding the young girls. •There is an educative strand to the work, with police officers intending to distribute literature warning of the dangers of child sexual exploitation. •There is also a practical strand, with police speaking to some of the girls direct and linking them up with statutory and voluntary agencies which can offer them appropriate support. •There is also a practical law enforcement strand, with police looking to tackle drug dealing in the area and also ensuring that groups of men cannot hang around and prey on young women.
The following individuals were arrested on Saturday, 17th November. •A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of robbery. He has been released under investigation. •A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and possession with intent to supply drugs, namely cannabis. He has since been released under investigation for both offences. •A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of breaching his bail conditions by being in McDonalds in the Stratford Mall. He appeared in custody at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 18th November, where he was released on bail.
The following individuals were arrested on Saturday, 25th November. •A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs. No further action was taking in relation to the drugs. He was served with a Child Abduction Warning Notice (CAWN). •Peter Maynard, 21, of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs. He was later charged with possession of cannabis. He appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 27th November, where he was given a conditional discharge for two years are required to pay a £20 surcharge and £85 in costs. •A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of robbery. He has since been released under investigation.
•Read more about it: Homeless man brutally attacked in Newham Child Sexual Exploitation: Met reveals warning signs
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