Squatters in an abandoned pub were moved on by almost 100 police officers who executed a search warrant for stolen goods.

The Charlie Butler pub in Mortlake High Street was pinpointed by intelligence officers after an increase in anti-social behaviour, burglary and theft in the area.

Officers entered the pub at about 6am on Friday, November 16, and found 26 squatters living inside, three of whom were arrested.

Police were issued a search warrant by magistrates and hoped to find stolen goods, but instead recovered class A and B drugs as well as drug paraphernalia.

Chief Inspector Graham Simpson said: “This property was vacated earlier this year and basically a number of people have been staying in the premises as trespassers. Police believe the premises have been used by criminals staying in the area. This is another example of the Metropolitan Police’s total war on crime.”

He said the operation would show people in the area that police are committed to keeping the borough safe.

The raid and search was carried out by 30 police officers, 48 from the territorial support group, a dog unit and an intelligence unit - led by Will Jack.

Two dogs were found inside the pub, who were compliant but had been allowed to foul in the cellar of the pub.

Chief Insp Simpson said the squatters were living in dire conditions.

He said: “It is an empty building filled with beds and mattresses all over the floor. There were class A and B drugs and drug paraphernalia. It really is in poor hygiene.”

Under the law squatting in a residential building is illegal but if squatters live in non-residential properties such as shops or offices it is not a crime.

Police can take action against squatters if they commit a crime whilst in the premises, or they can stop squatters living there if it is deemed unsafe.

A Twickenham fire officer assessed the pub and concluded it was too unsafe due to the lack of fire exits and abundance of flammable material such as mattresses and bed linen.

Chief Insp Simpson said: “It really is a very unsafe way to live. If there was a fire there is no way out, it is all boarded up. It is like a death trap.”

It is now an offence to enter the pub and Chief Insp Simpson said he hopes the level of crime in Mortlake will drop following the raid.

He said: “We want to create a safer community and that is what we are doing as part of the war on crime.”

Richmond police are constantly thinking of new ways to help reduce crime in the borough and have launched a number of initiatives such as Operation Hawk and the publication of images of people they want to speak to in connection with crimes.

Richmond Police Borough Commander Clive Chalk said: “Richmond Police are continually seeking ways to reduce crime, arrest offenders and protect the public as part of the Met Police's Total War On Crime."

Squatting in a residential premises is illegal and carries a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000, or both.

It is not usually a crime to squat in a non-residential property. The police can take action if other offences have taken place. The government estimates there are 20,000 squatters in the UK.