Police have been proactively patrolling hot spots in Merton with focus on one ward in particular.

Local policing teams are cracking down on drug use and drug dealing in the Ravensbury ward, which lies between, Cricket Green, St Helier and Merton Park.

Between March 10, 2020, and May 29, 2020, Ravensbury Safer Neighbourhood Team conducted 36 stop and searches.

Eleven of these stop and searches were positive.

Ten people were found in possession of cannabis, and one was found with a screwdriver.

Of the ten people found with cannabis, nine received a community resolution due it being a first-time offence.

Investigations are ongoing for one found in possession of cannabis and one for going equipped.

PC Connor Bliss, ward officer for Ravensbury ward, said: “Disrupting drug use and drug dealing through tactics such as stop and search, helps to prevent and disrupt crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Over the past few months, we have been targeting our patrols to areas on the ward known for drug use and dealing.

"It is important to us that our local community know that we listen to their concerns and proactively work to address crime in their area.

"If anybody working or living on Ravensbury ward has any issues or concerns- I encourage you to contact us using the contact form on the Met Police website."