The morning case file
London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Topic
catford
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Community Safety · LewishamBetting shop wins appeal against Lewisham Council
Lewisham Council's decision to refuse a fifth betting shop in Catford has been overturned on appeal, citing the Gambling Act's 'aim to permit' rule. Local businesses and councillors express disappointment, highlighting concerns over the area's regeneration and safety.
Lewisham5 min readTrust 60 · Craft 77 · Hype 45
Community Safety · Lewisham70 Volkswagen parts stolen in Lewisham and south east London spree
Thieves stole around 70 front badges and radar sensors from Volkswagen vehicles in Lewisham, Catford and surrounding areas between 15 and 19 July. Police confirmed 70 thefts and urged victims to report incidents as inquiries continue.
Lewisham4 min readTrust 56 · Craft 85 · Hype 35
Crime Data · Lewisham70 Volkswagen badges stolen in four-day south-east London crime spree
Around 70 Volkswagen vehicles had badges and radar sensors stolen in Lewisham, Catford, Forest Hill and nearby areas between 15 and 19 July. Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing and asked residents to report any further incidents or information.
Lewisham4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 85 · Hype 35- Policing · Lewisham
PC Adam Sahel convicted of assault after spraying colleague with PAVA at Catford station
PC Adam Sahel, 34, was found guilty of common assault at Southwark Crown Court on 5 August 2026 after spraying a junior colleague with PAVA spray at Catford police station in August 2023. He had previously been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Lewisham5 min readTrust 66 · Craft 80 · Hype 15 
Policing · LewishamMet Police Seize £4m in Catford Drug Raid Linked to Stop-and-Search
Metropolitan Police discovered £4 million in cash and a kilogram of cocaine during searches in Catford, south London. The seizure, one of the largest in London, followed a stop-and-search operation targeting a suspicious vehicle. A 54-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property.
Lewisham4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 70- Policing · Lewisham
Met Police seize £4m in cash and cocaine after Catford car stop
Metropolitan Police officers found £4 million in cash and 1 kilogram of cocaine during a search of a home in Catford after stopping a car in July 2026. The driver, a 54-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property.
Lewisham4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 70