Neighbourhood officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have been targeting individuals suspected of using catapults to injure people or wildlife, or to cause criminal damage.
They are seizing weapons and arresting suspects where appropriate, as part of wider efforts to respond to public concern and prevent further harm.
Chief Inspector James Ross said: “Since the beginning of June we have received an average of 14 contacts per day that relate to the use or possession of catapults, which sometimes includes multiple reports for the same incident.
“Whilst this is only around one per district per day, we understand that incidents are likely to be under-reported and are therefore committed to tackling this issue head-on.
“It is not currently illegal to possess a catapult but if our officers suspect one is being used to commit crime or antisocial behaviour then they will not hesitate to seize and destroy it along with any other items such as ball bearings.
“They will also make arrests and bring offenders to court if necessary and proportionate.”
He added: “We are very grateful to everyone who reports incidents to us, which helps us understand which areas would benefit most from regular patrols and who is responsible for these antisocial and criminal acts.”
The crackdown comes amid mounting concern across other areas too, including south east London where volunteers say catapult violence is reaching crisis point.
Members of the Greenwich Wildlife Network have documented a wave of disturbing incidents in recent months, involving swans, ducks, geese, squirrels, pigeons and even domestic cats being maimed or killed.
These incidents stretch across many London boroughs as well as parts of Kent.
Greenwich Wildlife Network has logged dozens of similar cases and submitted them to police (including the Metropolitan Police and Kent Police), but founder Rae Gellel said meaningful follow-up is rare even when there is CCTV footage, photographic evidence and named suspects.
Rae added: “It’s the same old story.
“Little progress is ever made, and the culprits are able to continue their animal cruelty spree the next day and the next.”
She said the group plans to launch a new petition calling for tighter regulation of catapults, including restrictions on public carrying and sale.
Rae explained: “How can legislation be adequate when this keeps happening, over and over, in the same parks, with the same culprits, and no consequences for them?
“We’ve protested, we’ve petitioned, we’ve logged and reported hundreds of incidents,” she said.
“And still: no meaningful action.”
