Police close Novo Sabor café in Harlesden after raid

A total of 40 police officers raided Novo Sabor in Station Road, Harlesden, on March 14, which police say was attracting anti-social behaviour and criminality to the town centre.

Five people were arrested for offences including handling stolen goods, drug possession, breach of bail. A male wanted on suspicion of theft was also arrested.

• MOST READ: 'It's insane' - Thieves smash pub windows and steal spirits in series of thefts

Police found the suspected stolen phones hidden in an oven. Scotland Yard says enquiries are still ongoing but early checks have confirmed several were stolen and it is likely all are stolen.

A Rolex watch worth an estimated £10,000 was also recovered.

#HarlesdenTCT & #AWBCU executed a warrant on a cafe in Station Rd suspected of selling #stolen items from #robberies across London. 40 officers raided the cafe, resulting in 5 #arrests & over 40 stolen phones being recovered. A Closure Order is in force on the premises #Harlesden pic.twitter.com/YCfEktOJ0M

— Harlesden Police (@MPSHarlesden) March 20, 2024

After a hearing at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on March 15, a full closure order is in place until June 15 this year.

This means only certain relevant authorities are allowed to enter the premises.

The Harlesden Town Centre team, Area West-BCU Robbery Pro-active, Wembley Town Centre and local safer neighbourhood teams took part in the raid.

Inspector Andy Le Geyt, from Harlesden Town Centre Team, said: “This café was attracting anti-social behaviour and criminality to Harlesden town centre, causing misery to the local community. I am pleased we were able to work together with internal and external partners to disrupt this activity, arrest offenders, as well as using powers to close the premises for three months."