11:26am Friday 29th August 2008
By Beckie Williams
POLICE have been using their stop and search powers in Lewisham this week to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
Officers from British Transport Police have been stopping people in five locations throughout London over the course of the week, which are main transport hubs in and out of the capital.
At Lewisham station, 15 officers and two sniffer dogs have been involved in the operation each day, ending today (Friday August 29).
They have been searching any member of the public they believe is acting suspiciously.
Sergeant Rick Usher of the British Transport Police said: "We use plain clothes officers as well. When people see the drug-dogs and turn back, it's then that they get searched."
Commuter Pamela Harris, 56, of Wearside Road, Lewisham, said: "I think it's a fantastic idea. If you've got nothing to hide it shouldn't be a problem."
She added: "It's about time we are made to feel safer around here."
Around 3,000 people have been stopped and 30 people arrested.
Sgt Usher said: "It is a good PR thing. People ask what we're doing to combat knife crime. It's a visible deterrent. It's a prevention really."
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