§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why motorists were stopped and searched in Cricklewood lane, London, around 11 pm on 25 January at a police roadblock; how many vehicles were involved; and what was the legal basis for this action.
§ Mr. HurdI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that on 25 January a road block was mounted in Cricklewood lane between 10.25 and 10.45 pm because of the pattern of crime in the area, including the large number of vehicles stolen. Thirty-two vehicles were selected and stopped. A constable in the Metropolitan Police district has power under section 66 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 to stop and search vehicles on suspicion that anything stolen or unlawfully obtained may be found.