THREE crack houses have been closed and 25 people charged so far after a police operation targeting drug dealers and people handling stolen goods.

Operation Raglan, focusing on Penge and Beckenham, was rolled out in two stages.

The first phase lasted six weeks and led to 14 people involved in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin being charged with 64 offences.

The second phase, which lasted two weeks and ended on Friday, targeted crack houses and premises where stolen goods were being handled.

This is because drug-related crime often leads to other offences, such as robberies and burglaries committed so criminals can then afford to buy drugs.

Thirteen search warrants were used and police arrested 12 people in the drugs bust and eight in connection with burglary offences.

Ten officers worked full time on the operation and were supported by dogs, forensics officers and police from other units.

Officers seized crack cocaine, cannabis and property believed to have been stolen.

This includes a laptop computer, a camera, fishing equipment, games consoles, CDs and jewellery.

Penge and Cator councillor John Getgood said: "Police, councillors and the community are all coming together to make Penge a safer place.

"Any progress police can make towards this we welcome and applaud."

Operation head Detective Inspector Bryan Davidson said: "This should send the message out Bromley police will not tolerate drugs and should also serve as a warning to anyone involved in drugs they should fear being caught.

"We will identify you, we will target you and we will arrest you."

Anyone with information about drugs being sold in Bromley should call police on 01689 891212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.



Appearing in court

THE following people were charged under phase two of the operation and have appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court: Unemployed Peter Long, aged 48, of Laurel Grove, Penge, appeared on November 23 charged with supplying crack cocaine;

Builder Michael Leahy, aged 43, of Otlines Close, St Mary Cray, appeared yesterday charged with burglary;

Plasterer Barrington Lewis, aged 19, of McKenzie Road, Beckenham, appeared on October 31 charged with robbery;

James Cotman, aged 38, of no fixed address, appeared on November 11 charged with burglary;

Unemployed Ryan Robinson, aged 18, of Hassop Walk, Mottingham, appeared on November 13 charged with robbery;

Unemployed Danny Parks, aged 20, of Hamlet Road, Anerley, appeared on November 24 charged with burglary;

Unemployed Darren Elson, aged 25, of Maberley Court, Maberley Crescent, Anerley, appeared on November 17 charged with handling stolen goods;

Unemployed Dean Downey, aged 34, of Meeting House Lane, Peckham, appeared on November 24 charged with breaching bail;

Unemployed Stuart Farrelly, aged 31, of Church Road, Crystal Palace, appeared on November 24 charged with breaching bail;

Unemployed Sharn Anderson, aged 31, of Maltham Road, Forest Hill, appeared on November 24 charged with breaching bail;

A 17-year-old male from Downham, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared on November 24 charged with burglary.