Met Police officers targeted Plumstead station in a Stop and Search sweep of rail users last night (Wednesday, October 2).

Officers from the force's South East Borough Command Unit (BCU) conducted what a spokesperson called a "Disruption Operation" at the station in the hope of catching criminals in transit.

Of 34 Stop and Searches carried out during the action, one man previously wanted by police was arrested.

News Shopper: Police at carrying out Stop and Searches at Plumstead Station on Wednesday evening (October 2). Image via Greenwich MPSPolice at carrying out Stop and Searches at Plumstead Station on Wednesday evening (October 2). Image via Greenwich MPS

On Wednesday night, a spokesperson for Greenwich MPS said: "Tonight Officers from South East Basic Command Unit have conducted a joint Disruption Operation at #Plumstead Train Station targeting those entering SE London to commit crime.

"34 Stop and Searches have been made & 1 male was arrested for being wanted.

"The operation was supported by @BTPLondon @Se_Railway @MPSWelling and @MPSSpecials..."

Under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, controversial Stop and Search powers allow officers to stop and fully search anyone if they have "reasonable grounds" to suspect the target is carrying: illegal drugs, a weapon, stolen property or something which could be used to commit a crime.

The current Conservative government have defended the practise as an important tool for police to tackle crime, and have sought to extend its use.

Independent research into the government (Home Office)'s own figures showed that the tactic led to police disproportionately targetting Black people in the UK.

Analysis of its use in England and Wales during 2017 showed that Black people were 40 times more likely to be targeted by Stop and Search than people of other ethnicities.

According to civil rights group Liberty, Stop and Search powers "cause huge problems for the communities where they are used," a spokesperson said.

"Overuse of these powers also impacts on the relationship between the community and the police.

"The detrimental and counterproductive impact of section 60 searches has recently begun to be recognised," they added.