Stop and searches carried out by PCSOs in the borough under controversial anti-terror laws have risen 61,900 per cent in just 4 years.

Figures obtained by the Croydon Guardian under the Freedom of Information Act show that in 2005 just one person was stopped by Police Community Support Officers compared to 2008 when 620 were stopped.

The dramatic figures show despite the lack of powers PCSOs have, they are being allowed to search people’s property in the presence of a police officer under section 43 and section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

According to the Metropolitan Police Service the large increase in stop and searches by PCSOs in 2008 can be partially attributed to the events of June 2007, which saw a terrorist attempt to cause mass casualties in the Haymarket, London, and the attack at Glasgow airport.

Across London there has also been a marked increase.

Since 2004 stop and searches carried out by PCSOs under anti-terror laws have risen from 5,942 to 56,949 a rise of nearly 900 per cent.

Since 2004 there has been an increase every year with it leaping more than 30,000 in just one 12-month period.

A spokesman for the Met said: “Following these events (London’s 2007 terror incidents) the MPS took the strategic decision to increase the use of section 44 to deter offenders and prevent further attacks.

“In order to ensure that the use of section 44 is as operationally effective as possible, and recognising the sensitivity and concerns about its use, use of the power has been subject to regular analysis and evaluation.”

Corinna Ferguson, legal officer for human rights watchdog, Liberty, said: “These figures add weight to Liberty’s concern that anti-terror stop and searches are used far too widely and inappropriately.

“These exceptional powers have sadly become part of ‘everyday’ policing, with no tangible benefits and serious negative long-term impact on community relations.”

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