Police hunt for bail absconders

Police are searching for more than 100 people who have skipped bail in London.

Since the operation began a week ago, 195 of 332 people wanted on warrant have been arrested.

Deputy Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said it would show absconders they could not "hide from justice" and would help restore faith in the system.

He said police always acted swiftly in cases of serious crime suspects but were now turning their attention to those suspect of "lesser offences".

The public quite rightly expect that those who are charged with a criminal offence should answer for their actions Sir Ian Blair

About 1,000 Metropolitan Police officers from all 32 London boroughs are taking part in the operation.

Scotland Yard says it is using tactics developed in local operations to track and re-arrest those wanted for crimes ranging from shop lifting to street robbery.

"The criminal justice system and people's faith in it are damaged when it is seen not to be working," said Sir Ian.

"The public quite rightly expect that those who are charged with a criminal offence should answer for their actions. We intend to make sure they do."