A POLICE operation to crackdown on licensing breaches across London has so far resulted in more than 400 arrests.

The 48-hour crackdown, which is targeted at all 32 London boroughs, has led to 4,896 premises visited, 658 licensing breaches identified and 420 people arrested.

Police are on the lookout for drug taking and other illegal activity inside pubs and checking that alcohol is sold and consumed in line with licensing laws.

In shops and supermarkets, they are taking action against people selling alcohol, cigarettes and knives to children and those who have not checked correctly checked the history of second hand goods for sale.

Driving license fraud and taxi touts will also be targeted.

Leading the operation is Commander Mak Chishty. He said: "Licensing laws are there for good reason as they help protect us from danger. Breaking them is not acceptable.

“Operation Condor is about keeping our communities safe from harm. In our shops and supermarkets this means people do not sell knives, harmful substances or alcohol to young people; in our pubs and clubs it means that alcohol is sold and consumed in a responsible way, on our roads it means that vehicles, such as taxis are properly licensed and safe.”